Systems and methods for depression treatment using neuro-EEG synchronization therapy

ABSTRACT

Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, inexpensive, easy to use therapy for treatment of depression. Described are methods and devices to treat depression that involves no medication. Methods and devices described herein use alternating magnetic fields to gently “tune” the brain and affect symptoms of depression.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/975,096, filed Sep. 25, 2007, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/096,596, filed Sep. 12, 2008, the contents ofwhich are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mental disorders generate serious problems for the affected people,their families, and society. Currently, psychiatrists andneurophysiologists treat these disorders with a variety of medications,many of which have significant negative side effects.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) uses anelectromagnet placed on the scalp that generates a series of magneticfield pulses roughly the strength of an MRI scan. Some studies haveshown that rTMS can reduce the negative symptoms of schizophrenia anddepression under certain circumstances. To generate low frequencymagnetic field pulses using an electromagnet such as in rTMS requireshigh current. Over time, this high current results in significant heatthat must be actively dissipated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Described are methods and systems for novel, inexpensive, easy to usetherapy for a number of mental disorders. Described are methods anddevices to treat mental disorders that involve no medication. Methodsand devices described herein gently “tune” the brain and affect mood,focus, and cognition of human subjects. Methods and devices describedherein gently “tune” the brain and affect mood, focus, and cognition ofsubjects.

In one aspect are methods of treating a subject, comprising: (a)adjusting output of a magnetic field for influencing an intrinsicfrequency of a specified EEG band of the subject toward a pre-selectedor target intrinsic frequency of the specified EEG band; and (b)applying said magnetic field close to a head of the subject.

In another aspect are methods of altering an intrinsic frequency of abrain of a subject within a specified EEG band, comprising: (a)determining the intrinsic frequency of the subject within the specifiedEEG band; (b) comparing the intrinsic frequency from step (a) to anaverage intrinsic frequency of a healthy population database; (c) if theintrinsic frequency from step (a) is higher than the average intrinsicfrequency of the healthy population database, shifting down theintrinsic frequency of the subject by applying a specific magnetic fieldclose to a head of the subject, wherein said specific magnetic field hasa frequency lower than the intrinsic frequency of the subject; and (d)if the intrinsic frequency from step (a) is lower than the averageintrinsic frequency of the healthy population database, shifting up theintrinsic frequency of the subject by applying a specific magnetic fieldclose to a head of the subject, wherein said specific magnetic field hasa frequency higher than the intrinsic frequency of the subject.

In another aspect are methods of treating a subject, comprising: (a)adjusting output of a magnetic field for influencing a Q-factor, ameasure of frequency selectivity of a specified EEG band, of the subjecttoward a pre-selected or target Q-factor of the band; and (b) applyingsaid magnetic field close to a head of the subject.

In another aspect are methods of treating a subject, comprising:determining the Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency within the specifiedEEG band of the subject; comparing the Q-factor of the intrinsicfrequency from step (a) to an average Q-factor of the intrinsicfrequency of a healthy population database; if the Q-factor of theintrinsic frequency from step (a) is higher than the average Q-factor ofthe intrinsic frequency of the healthy population database, tuning downthe Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency of the subject by applying amagnetic field with a plurality of frequencies or with a singlepre-selected frequency close to a head of the subject; and if theQ-factor of the intrinsic frequency from step (a) is lower than theaverage Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency of the healthy populationdatabase, tuning up the Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency of thesubject by applying a magnetic field with a pre-selected frequency to ahead of the subject.

In another aspect are methods of treating a subject, comprising: (a)adjusting output of a magnetic field for influencing a coherence ofintrinsic frequencies among multiple sites in a brain of the subjectwithin a specified EEG band toward a pre-selected or target coherencevalue; and (b) applying said magnetic field close to a head of thesubject

In another aspect are methods adjusting output of a magnetic field forinfluencing a coherence of intrinsic frequencies among multiple sites ina brain of the subject within a specified EEG band toward a pre-selectedor target coherence value comprising: determining the coherence value ofthe intrinsic frequencies among multiple locations throughout a scalp ofthe subject; comparing the coherence value from step (a) to an averagecoherence value of a healthy population database; if the coherence valuefrom step (a) is higher than the average coherence value of the healthypopulation database, lowering the coherence value of the subject byapplying at least two asynchronous magnetic fields close to a head ofthe subject; if the coherence value from step (a) is lower than theaverage coherence value of the healthy population database, raising thecoherence value of the subject by applying at least one synchronizedmagnetic field close to a head of the subject.

In another aspect are methods of using a Transcranial MagneticStimulation (TMS) device for influencing an intrinsic frequency of asubject within a specified EEG band, comprising: (a) adjusting output ofsaid TMS device; (b) changing EEG frequency, Q-factor, or coherence byrepetitive firing of a magnetic field using said TMS device; and (c)applying said magnetic field close to a head of the subject;

In another aspect are methods of treating anxiety in a subject,comprising tuning up the Q-factor of an intrinsic frequency of thesubject by applying a magnetic field close to a head of the subject,wherein the magnetic field comprises at least one of (a) a singlepre-selected frequency; (b) a plurality of frequencies within aspecified EEG band; and (c) an intrinsic frequency of a brain of thesubject within a specified EEG band. In some embodiments, any of thedevices described herein may be used to treat anxiety.

In some embodiments, are method of treating depression in a subject,comprising tuning down the Q-factor of an intrinsic frequency of thesubject by applying a magnetic field close to a head of the subject,wherein the magnetic field comprises at least one of (a) a singlefrequency; (b) a plurality of frequencies within a specified EEG band;and (c) an intrinsic frequency of a brain of the subject within aspecified EEG band. In some embodiments, any of the devices describedherein may be used to treat depression.

In another aspect are methods for treating a subject, comprising: (a)adjusting output of a magnetic field for influencing an EEG phasebetween two sites in the brain of a subject of a specified EEG frequencytoward a pre-selected EEG phase of the specified EEG frequency; and (b)applying said magnetic field close to a head of the subject.

In some embodiments, the pre-selected EEG phase is lower than the EEGphase between the two sites in the brain of the subject. In someembodiments, the pre-selected EEG phase is any EEG phase lower than theEEG phase between the two sites in the brain of the subject. In someembodiments, the pre-selected EEG phase is higher than the EEG phasebetween the two sites in the brain of the subject. In some embodiments,the pre-selected EEG phase is any EEG phase higher than the EEG phasebetween the two sites in the brain of the subject. In some embodiments,the pre-selected EEG phase is an EEG phase of a population of people.The population of people may be a set of people having a particulartrait, characteristic, ability, or feature. The population may be ahealthy population of people. The population of people may be a set ofpeople not having a particular disorder, such as anxiety, depression, orother disorders mentioned herein. In some embodiments, the methodscomprise measuring EEG data of two sites in the brain of the subject,and calculating the EEG phase between the two sites in the brain of asubject. The specified EEG frequency may be an intrinsic frequency asdescribed herein. The specified EEG frequency may be a pre-selectedfrequency as described herein. The pre-selected frequency may be anaverage intrinsic frequency of a healthy population database within aspecified EEG band.

In another aspect are methods for influencing an EEG phase of aspecified EEG frequency between multiple locations of a brain of asubject, comprising: (a) determining the EEG phase the between at leasttwo locations measured on the head of the subject; (b) comparing the EEGphase from step (a) to an average EEG phase of a healthy population; and(c) applying a magnetic field close to a head of the subject whereinapplying the magnetic field influences the determined EEG phase towardthe average EEG phase of a healthy population.

In another aspect are methods for using a Transcranial MagneticStimulation (TMS) device for influencing an EEG phase of a subject of aspecified EEG frequency, comprising: (a) adjusting output of said TMSdevice; (b) changing the EEG phase by repetitive firing of at least onemagnetic field using said TMS device; and (c) applying said magneticfield close to a head of the subject.

In some embodiments, the magnetic field results from a first magneticsource and a second magnetic source. In some embodiments, the firstmagnetic source and the second magnetic source are out of phase relativeto each other. In some embodiments, the amount that the first magneticsource and the second magnetic source are out of phase relative to eachother is called the magnetic phase.

In some embodiments, the methods described are with the proviso that themethods are not used to treat schizophrenia.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the step ofapplying the magnetic field is for a pre-determined cumulative treatmenttime. In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, thepre-selected or target intrinsic frequency with the specified EEG bandis from about 0.5 Hz to about 100 Hz. In some embodiments of at leastone aspect described above, the pre-selected or target intrinsicfrequency with the specified EEG band is from about 1 Hz to about 100Hz. In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, thepre-selected or target intrinsic frequency with the specified EEG bandis not greater than about 50 Hz. In some embodiments of at least oneaspect described above, the pre-selected or target intrinsic frequencywith the specified EEG band is not greater than about 30 Hz. In someembodiments of at least one aspect described above, the pre-selected ortarget intrinsic frequency with the specified EEG band is not greaterthan about 20 Hz. In some embodiments of at least one aspect describedabove, the pre-selected or target intrinsic frequency with the specifiedEEG band is not greater than about 10 Hz. In some embodiments of atleast one aspect described above, the pre-selected or target intrinsicfrequency with the specified EEG band is greater than about 3 Hz. Insome embodiments of at least one aspect described above, thepre-selected or target intrinsic frequency with the specified EEG bandis greater than about 1 Hz. In some embodiments, of at least one aspectdescribed above, the pre-selected or target intrinsic frequency with thespecified EEG band is up to about 25 Hz. As used herein, the term“about” when referring to a frequency can mean variations of 0.1 Hz to 2Hz, 0.1 Hz to 0.5 Hz, 0.5 Hz to 1 Hz, or 1 Hz to 5 Hz. In someembodiments, applying of the magnetic field is to the motor cortex ofthe subject.

In some embodiments, the pre-selected and/or target intrinsic frequencyis chosen from a plurality of intrinsic frequencies in the specified EEGband. In some embodiments the pre-selected and/or target intrinsicfrequency is chosen from a plurality of intrinsic frequencies across aplurality of EEG bands. In some embodiments the specified EEG band isthe Alpha band. In some embodiments the specified EEG band is the Betaband.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the methodsfurther comprise the step of measuring EEG data of the subject beforethe applying step. In some embodiments of at least one aspect describedabove, said higher frequency is not greater than about 50 Hz. In someembodiments of at least one aspect described above, said higherfrequency is not greater than about 30 Hz.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the varyingfrequencies (e.g. hopping frequencies) are moving average frequenciesbased on a pre-determined frequency around an intrinsic frequency withina predetermined frequency range. In some embodiments, the varyingfrequencies are randomly selected within a predetermined frequencyrange. In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, thevarying frequencies are moving average frequencies within a specifiedEEG band of a healthy population database. Those moving averagefrequencies can change from an initial frequency to a target frequencywithin a specific amount of time. In some embodiments of at least oneaspect described above, the varying frequencies are frequencies hoppingaround within a pre-determined frequency range. In some embodiments ofat least one aspect described above, the varying frequencies arefrequencies hopping around an intrinsic frequency within a specified EEGband of a healthy population database. In some embodiments of at leastone aspect described above, the pre-selected or target frequency is anaverage intrinsic frequency of a healthy population database within aspecified EEG band. In some embodiments of at least one aspect describedabove, the pre-selected or target frequency is an intrinsic frequency ofa brain of the subject within a specified EEG band.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the methodsfurther comprise the step of measuring EEG data of the subject after theapplying step. In some embodiments, further comprising the steps of:

adjusting frequency of said magnetic field based on the EEG data of thesubject; and repeating the applying step with an adjusted frequency.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the applyingof the magnetic field is continuous, in that it does not consist ofdiscrete pulses separated by significant sections in which no magneticfield is applied. In some embodiments of at least one aspect describedabove, the magnetic field is continuously applied. A magnetic field thatis continuously applied may alternate between a positive and negativefield and include one or more neutral field(s), or alternate between apositive field and a neutral field, or alternate between a negativefield and a neutral field, or some other combination of magnetic fields.It is continuous in the sense that it has a repetitive pattern(waveform) of charged fields (whether positive, negative, or acombination thereof) and uncharged fields. In some embodiments of atleast one aspect described above, the applying of the magnetic fieldapplies the magnetic field to a diffused area in a brain of the subject.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the magneticfield is generated by movement of at least one permanent magnet. In someembodiments, said movement comprises rotation of at least one saidpermanent magnet. In some embodiments, said movement comprises linearmotion of at least one said permanent magnet. In some embodiments, saidmovement comprises curvilinear motion of at least one said permanentmagnet. In some embodiments, said movement comprises at least one ofrotational motion, linear motion, and swing motion. In some embodiments,the strength of the at least one permanent magnetic is from about 10Gauss to about 4 Tesla. In some embodiments, the distance between the atleast one permanent magnet and the subject is from about 0 inches toabout 12 inches, from about 1/32 inches to about 12 inches, from about1/16 inches to about 5 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 5 inches.As used herein, the term “about” when referring to distance between theat least one permanent magnet and the subject can mean variations of1/64 inch, 1/32 inch, 1/16 inch, ⅛ inch, ¼ inch, ⅓ inch, ½ inch, or 1inch.

In some embodiments where the step of applying the magnetic field is fora pre-determined cumulative treatment time, said pre-determinedcumulative treatment time is at least 5 min. In some embodiments wherethe step of applying the magnetic field is for a pre-determinedcumulative treatment time, said pre-determined cumulative treatment timeis from about 5 min to about two hours.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the methodsfurther comprise repeating the applying step after an interval oftreatment. In some embodiments, the interval of treatment is from about6 hours to about 14 days.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the methodimproves an indication selected from the group consisting of replacementfor meditation, quick nap, stress release, attention span,comprehension, memory, lowered blood pressure, increased libido, sportsperformance, academic performance, and any combination thereof. In someembodiments of at least one aspect described above, the method improvesa mental disorder selected from the group consisting of depression,bipolar, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, seizure, Parkinson's disease,ADHD, autism, substance abuse, head injury, Alzheimer's disease, eatingdisorder, sleep disorder, tinnitus, and any combination thereof. In someembodiments of at least one aspect described above, the method improvessymptoms of fibromyalgia. In some embodiments of at least one aspectdescribed above, the method halts the onset of a seizure. In someembodiments of at least one aspect described above, the method preventsthe onset of a seizure. In some embodiments of at least one aspectdescribed above, the method improves a characteristic selected from thegroup consisting of peripheral visual response, attention span,immediate reaction time (IRT), movement time (MT), simple perceptualreaction time (SPR), conflict perceptual reaction time (CPR), and anycombination thereof. In some embodiments of at least one aspectdescribed above, the method provides an improvement as measured using arating scale selected from the group consisting of HAMA, HAMD, PANSS,MADRS, BARS, SAS, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments of atleast one aspect described above, the method provides an improvement asmeasured using the Unified Parkinson's Rating Scale. In some embodimentsof at least one aspect described above, the method provides animprovement as measured using a modified Unified Parkinson's RatingScale. In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, themethod uses a Permanent Magneto-EEG Resonant Therapy (pMERT) device(alternatively called a Neuro-EEG Synchronization Therapy (NEST)device). In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, themethod uses a device as described herein. In some embodiments of atleast one aspect described above, the method does not use a TranscranialMagnetic Stimulation (TMS) device.

In another aspect are devices comprising,

-   -   (a) at least one permanent magnet; and    -   (b) a subunit coupled to the magnet;        wherein the subunit enables movement of at least one said magnet        at a frequency between about 0.5 Hz and about 100 Hz.

In another aspect are devices comprising,

-   -   (a) at least one permanent magnet; and    -   (b) a subunit coupled to the magnet;        wherein the subunit enables movement of at least one said magnet        at a frequency between about 2 Hz and about 20 Hz.

In another aspect are devices comprising a means for applying a magneticfield to a head of a subject; whereby the means for applying themagnetic field is capable of influencing an intrinsic frequency of abrain of the subject within a specified EEG band.

In another aspect are devices comprising a means for applying a magneticfield to a head of a subject; whereby the means for applying themagnetic field is capable of influencing a Q-factor of an intrinsicfrequency of a brain of the subject within a specified EEG band.

In another aspect are devices comprising a means for applying a magneticfield to a head of a subject; whereby the means for applying themagnetic field is capable of influencing a coherence of intrinsicfrequencies among multiple sites in a brain of the subject within aspecified EEG band.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the subunitcomprises a rotating mechanism. In some embodiments, said rotatingmechanism comprises:

-   -   (a) a motor;    -   (b) a power source capable of powering the motor; and    -   (c) a rotating element coupled to the motor and coupled to the        magnet.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, said devicecomprises at least one permanent magnet. In some embodiments of at leastone aspect described above, the strength of the at least one permanentmagnet is from about 10 Gauss to about 4 Tesla. In some embodiments ofat least one aspect described above, the magnetic field is analternating magnetic field.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the magneticfield is generated by movement of at least one permanent magnet. In someembodiments, the movement of the at least one said magnet is at afrequency between about 0.5 Hz and about 100 Hz. In some embodiments,the movement of the at least one said magnet is at a frequency betweenabout 2 Hz and about 20 Hz.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, saidmovement comprises rotation of at least one said permanent magnet. Insome embodiments of at least one aspect described above, said movementcomprises linear motion of at least one said permanent magnet. In someembodiments of at least one aspect described above, said movementcomprises swing motion of at least one said permanent magnet. In someembodiments, said movement comprises at least one of rotational motion,linear motion, and swing motion.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, saidmovement generates an alternating magnetic field. In some embodiments ofat least one aspect described above, the magnetic field is continuouslyapplied. In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, themagnetic field covers a diffused area in a brain of a subject. In someembodiments of at least one aspect described above, the device is aPermanent Magneto-EEG Resonant Therapy (pMERT) device. In someembodiments of at least one aspect described above, the device is aNeuro-EEG Synchronization Therapy (NEST) device. As used herein, theterms Neuro-EEG Synchronization Therapy (NEST) device and PermanentMagneto-EEG Resonant Therapy (pMERT) device may be used interchangeably.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the devicesfurther comprise logic that controls the frequency to be any frequencybetween about 2 and about 20 Hz in increments of about 0.1 Hz. In someembodiments of at least one aspect described above, the devices furthercomprise logic that controls the frequency to be any frequency betweenabout 2 and about 50 Hz in increments of about 0.1 Hz. In someembodiments of at least one aspect described above, the devices furthercomprise logic that automatically changes the frequency in response toEEG readings of a subject before and/or during treatment. In someembodiments of at least one aspect described above, the devices furthercomprise logic that allows a user to set duration of a treatment beforesaid treatment. In some embodiments, the user may be, for non-limitingexample, a patient, a therapist, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, aneurologist, a family doctor, a general practitioner, a another medicalprofessional, or a person treating a patient. In some embodiments, theuser is not a patient.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the devicescomprise a white noise generator.

In some embodiments, the devices further comprise a coupling to at leastone of an internet line and a phone line. In some embodiments, at leasta portion of the coupling to the internet line or to the phone line iswireless. The device may further comprise a smart card for storing andtransferring information.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the devicesfurther comprise logic that calculates information from EEG datacollected from the subject within a specified EEG band,

wherein said information comprises at least one of items listed below:

-   -   (a) at least one intrinsic frequency;    -   (b) Q-factor of the at least one intrinsic frequency;    -   (c) a coherence value of intrinsic frequencies;    -   (d) an EEG phase; and    -   (e) any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the devices further comprise logic that uploadssaid information through at least one of an internet line and atelephone line to an EEG data analysis service capable of storing saidinformation. In some embodiments, said EEG data analysis service iscapable of associating the said information with an identificationassociated with the subject.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the devicesfurther comprise logic that uploads EEG data collected from the subjectto an EEG data analysis service, wherein the EEG data analysis serviceis capable of validating information uploaded from the device, whereinsaid information comprises at least one of items listed below:

-   -   (a) at least one intrinsic frequency;    -   (b) Q-factor of the at least one intrinsic frequency;    -   (c) a coherence value of intrinsic frequencies;    -   (d) an EEG phase; and    -   (e) any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, said information comprises at least two of thelisted items. In some embodiments of at least one aspect describedabove, further comprising logic that downloads a treatment dosage quota.In some embodiments, the treatment dosage quota is chosen by a usertreating the subject based on a diagnosis of the subject. In someembodiments, the treatment dosage quota is chosen by a user who ischarged for requesting a download of a cumulative treatment time basedon a diagnosis of the subject. In some embodiments, the user is chargedby a billing service before, during, or after the download of the dosagequota.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the devicesfurther comprise logic that uploads a subject's EEG data through atleast one of an internet line and a phone line to an EEG data analysisservice. In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, thedevices further comprise logic that records usage information for usingthe device. In some embodiments, the device further comprises logic thatceases to deliver treatment after a treatment dosage quota is depleted.In some embodiments, the billing service is a vendor of the device. Insome embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the devicesfurther comprise logic that allows a user to establish a user account.

In some embodiments, the device comprises at least two permanentmagnets. In some embodiments, the device comprises a helmet to be usedfor a subject's head. In some embodiments of at least one aspectdescribed above, the device comprises a communication subunit forcoupling to an internet line. In some embodiments of at least one aspectdescribed above, the device comprises a communication subunit forcoupling to a phone line. In some embodiments, the device comprises amemory subunit for storing information during a treatment.

In another aspect are methods for ordering a therapeutic dosage quotathrough internet, comprising,

-   -   (a) receiving a request from a user to access a user account        through internet for ordering the therapeutic dosage quota;    -   (b) allowing the user to select at least one desired therapeutic        dosage quota; and    -   (c) allowing the downloading of a therapeutic dosage quota into        a device comprising a means for applying a magnetic field to a        head of a subject.

The user may be allowed, in some embodiments, to dowload the therapeuticdosage quota. In some embodiment, the methods further comprise the stepof establishing a user account based on a request from a user forordering a therapeutic dosage quota.

In another aspect are methods for uploading EEG data associated with asubject through internet, comprising,

-   -   (a) creating a database for storing a user account associated        with a user;    -   (b) storing the user account in the database,    -   (c) receiving a request from the user to access the user        account;    -   (d) allowing said EEG data to be recorded into a device        comprising a means for applying a magnetic field to a head of        the subject;    -   (e) determining from said EEG data at least one of an intrinsic        frequency within a specified EEG band, Q-factor of the intrinsic        frequency, an EEG phase, and a coherence value of intrinsic        frequencies; and    -   (f) allowing the uploading of at least one of the EEG data, the        intrinsic frequency within a specified EEG band, the Q-factor of        the intrinsic frequency, the EEG phase, the coherence value of        intrinsic frequencies, and any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, allowing the user to upload may include allowingthe user to move data from a device as described herein to a database.The method may comprise receiving a request from the user to access theuser account through at least one of an internet line or a phone linefor access to said database. The method may comprise allowing the userto upload at least one of an intrinsic frequency within a specified EEGband, Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency, an EEG phase, and a coherencevalue of intrinsic frequencies. The data may include at least one of theEEG data, an intrinsic frequency within a specified EEG band, Q-factorof the intrinsic frequency, a coherence value of intrinsic frequencies,or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the deviceis any device as described herein. In some embodiments of at least oneaspect described above, the user account comprises

-   -   (a) user information;    -   (b) user access information; and    -   (c) based on each subject and each therapeutic dosage quota        administered to each subject, fields for storing at least one of        -   (1) EEG data of the subject,        -   (2) intrinsic frequency within a specified EEG band of the            subject,        -   (3) Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency of the subject        -   (4) an EEG phase of a specified EEG frequency of the            subject,        -   (5) a coherence value of intrinsic frequencies of the            subject,        -   (6) treatment information of the subject, and        -   (7) device usage information for the subject.

In some embodiments, the user information excludes identifyinginformation (e.g. user names).

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the methodsfurther comprise the step of charging at least one of the user, thesubject, and an insurance company associated with the subject a fee foruse of the device based on the dosage quota ordered in at least one ofthe user account and the device.

In another aspect are methods for administration of treatment ofsubjects, comprising,

-   -   (a) storing data in a device of an individual subject during        treatment using the device, wherein the device comprises a means        for applying a magnetic field to a head of the subject;    -   (b) retrieving the data of said individual subject from said        device; and    -   (c) updating a database for the subject with the data, through        at least one of an internet line and a phone line.

In some embodiments, said data of said individual subject comprises atleast one of EEG data of the subject, at least one intrinsic frequencywithin a specified EEG band of the subject, Q-factor of the intrinsicfrequency of the subject, a coherence value of intrinsic frequencies ofthe subject, an EEG phase of a specified EEG frequency of the subject,treatment information of the subject, and device usage information forthe subject. In some embodiments, the retrieving and updating stepsoccur upon the subject's visit to a psychiatrist, a therapist, atreatment provider, and/or another type of medical professional. In someembodiments, the retrieving and updating steps occur prior to asubject's visit to a psychiatrist, a therapist, a treatment provider,and/or another type of medical professional. In some embodiments, theretrieving and updating steps occur following a subject's visit to apsychiatrist, a therapist, a treatment provider, and/or another type ofmedical professional.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, the methodsor devices use a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) device.

Provided herein is a method comprising adjusting an output current of anelectric alternating current source for influencing an intrinsicfrequency of an EEG band of a subject toward a target frequency of theEEG band; and applying said output current across a head of the subject.

In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the output current comprisessetting the output current to a frequency that is lower than theintrinsic frequency of the subject.

In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the output current comprisessetting the output current to a frequency that is higher than theintrinsic frequency of the subject.

In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the output current comprisessetting the output current to the target frequency.

Provided herein is a method comprising determining the intrinsicfrequency of the EEG band of the subject; and comparing the intrinsicfrequency to the target frequency of the EEG band, wherein the targetfrequency is an average intrinsic frequency of the EEG band of a healthypopulation of people, wherein if the intrinsic frequency is higher thanthe target frequency, the step of adjusting the output current comprisessetting the output current to a frequency that is lower than theintrinsic frequency of the subject, and if the intrinsic frequency islower than the target frequency, the step of adjusting the outputcurrent comprises setting the output current to a frequency that ishigher than the intrinsic frequency of the subject.

Provided herein is a method comprising adjusting an output current of anelectric alternating current source for influencing a Q-factor of anintrinsic frequency of an EEG band of a subject toward a targetQ-factor; and applying said output current across a head of the subject.

In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the output current comprisesvarying a frequency of the output current.

In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the output current comprisessetting the output current to a frequency that is higher than theintrinsic frequency of the subject.

In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the output current comprisessetting the output current to a frequency that is lower than theintrinsic frequency of the subject.

In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the output current comprisessetting the output current to the target frequency.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining theQ-factor of the intrinsic frequency of the EEG band of the subject; andcomparing the Q-factor to the target Q-factor, wherein the targetQ-factor is an average Q-factor of the intrinsic frequencies of the EEGband of a healthy population of people, wherein if the Q-factor of theintrinsic frequency is higher than the target Q-factor, the step ofadjusting the output current comprises varying a frequency of the outputcurrent, and if the Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency is lower thanthe target Q-factor, the step of adjusting the output current comprisessetting the output current to a frequency that is the intrinsicfrequency of the subject.

In some embodiments, influencing an intrinsic frequency may includeinfluencing harmonics of the pre-selected intrinsic frequency of thespecified EEG band. In some embodiments, the pre-selected intrinsicfrequency is a harmonic of the peak intrinsic frequency of a specifiedEEG band. In some embodiments, influencing the pre-selected intrinsicfrequency includes applying harmonic frequencies of the pre-selectedintrinsic frequency. In some embodiments, the varying frequenciescomprise harmonic frequencies of a single frequency. The singlefrequency may comprise the pre-selected intrinsic frequency.

In some embodiments, a device as described herein is operable toinfluence an intrinsic frequency of the brain of a subject within aspecified EEG band. A device as described herein may be operable toinfluence a Q-factor of an intrinsic frequency of the brain of a subjectwithin a specified EEG band. A device as described herein may beoperable to influence a coherence of intrinsic frequencies amongmultiple sites in the brain of a subject within a specified EEG band.

In some embodiments, a device as described herein further comprises afirst electrode operable to detect electrical brain activity; and asecond electrode operable to detect a reference signal, wherein thefirst electrode is located on the subject in at least one of: an area oflow electrical resistivity on a subject, and an area with substantiallyno electrical impulse interference on a subject, and wherein the secondelectrode is located on the subject. In some embodiments, a device asdescribed herein further comprises a first electrode operable to detectelectrical brain activity; and a second electrode operable to detect areference signal, wherein the first electrode is located on the subjectin at least a portion of the ear canal of the subject, and wherein thesecond electrode is located on the subject.

In some embodiments of the methods described herein, the method ormethods may comprise locating a first electrode operable to detectelectrical brain activity on the subject in at least one of an area oflow electrical resistivity on a subject and an area with substantiallyno electrical impulse interference on a subject. The method or methodsmay further comprise locating a second electrode operable to detect areference signal on the subject. The method or methods may furthercomprise determining the intrinsic frequency from the electrical brainactivity detected by the first electrode and the reference signaldetected by the second electrode. In some embodiments, determining theintrinsic frequency may comprise removing the reference signal detectedby the second electrode from the electrical brain activity detected bythe first electrode. The method or methods may further comprisedetermining the Q-factor of an intrinsic frequency of the specified EEGband from the electrical brain activity detected by the first electrodeand the reference signal detected by the second electrode. In someembodiments, determining the Q-factor of an intrinsic frequency of thespecified EEG band comprises ascertaining the Q-factor from theelectrical brain activity detected by the first electrode and thereference signal detected by the second electrode.

In some embodiments of the methods described herein, the method ormethods may comprise locating a first electrode operable to detectelectrical brain activity on the subject in at least a portion of theear canal of the subject. The method or methods may further compriselocating a second electrode operable to detect a reference signal on thesubject. The method or methods may further comprise determining theintrinsic frequency from the electrical brain activity detected by thefirst electrode and the reference signal detected by the secondelectrode.

In some embodiments, a device as described herein is operable toinfluence an EEG phase between two sites in the brain of a subject of aspecified EEG frequency. The device may comprise a second permanentmagnet, wherein the subunit is coupled to the second magnet, and whereinthe subunit enables movement of the second magnet at a frequency betweenabout 0.5 Hz and about 100 Hz. The subunit may enable movement of thesecond magnet at a frequency between about 2 Hz and about 20 Hz. Thefirst permanent magnet may have a first rotational orientation relativeto a treatment surface of the device and the second permanent magnet mayhave a second rotational orientation relative to the treatment surfaceof the device. The device may be operable to move the first permanentmagnet at the same frequency as the second permanent magnet. The firstrotational orientation relative to a first portion of a treatmentsurface of the device may be between at least about 0 degrees and about360 degrees different from the second rotational orientation relative toa second portion of the treatment surface of the device. The firstrotational orientation relative to a first portion of a treatmentsurface of the device may be at least one of: between at least about 0degrees and about 180 degrees, between at least about 0 degrees andabout 90 degrees, between at least about 0 degrees and about 45 degrees,between at least about 0 degrees and about 30 degrees, between at leastabout 0 degrees and about 15 degrees, between at least about 0 degreesand about 10 degrees, at least about 5 degrees, at least about 10degrees, at least about 15 degrees, at least about 30 degrees, at leastabout 45 degrees, at least about 60 degrees, at least about 90 degrees,at least about 120 degrees, at least about 180 degrees, at least about240 degrees, and at least about 270 degrees different from the secondrotational orientation relative to a second portion of the treatmentsurface of the device. The specified EEG frequency may be an intrinsicfrequency as described herein. The specified EEG frequency may be apre-selected frequency as described herein. The pre-selected frequencymay be an average intrinsic frequency of a healthy population databasewithin a specified EEG band.

In some embodiments, a magnetic field results from a first magneticsource and a second magnetic source. In some embodiments, the firstmagnetic source and the second magnetic source are out of phase relativeto each other. In some embodiments, the amount that the first magneticsource and the second magnetic source are out of phase relative to eachother is called the magnetic phase.

In some embodiments, the first portion of the treatment surface is theportion of the treatment surface approximately closest to the firstpermanent magnet, and wherein the second portion of the treatmentsurface is the portion of the treatment surface approximately closest tothe second permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the first portion ofthe treatment surface is the portion of the treatment surface closest tothe first permanent magnet that is intended to be approximatelytangential to the head of the subject nearest that treatment surface,and wherein the second portion of the treatment surface is the portionof the treatment surface approximately closest to the second permanentmagnet that is intended to be approximately tangential to the head ofthe subject nearest that treatment surface.

In some embodiments of the devices disclosed herein, the differencebetween the first rotational orientation and the second rotationalorientation results in a magnetic phase when the first permanent magnetis moved at the same frequency as the second permanent magnet. Themagnetic phase of the device may be operable to influence an EEG phasebetween a first site and a second site in the brain of a subject withina specified EEG band. The first site generally aligns with the firstpermanent magnet, and the second site generally aligns with the secondpermanent magnet of the device.

Provided herein is a device comprising,

-   -   (a) a means for applying a first magnetic field to a head of a        subject; and    -   (b) a means for applying a second magnetic field to a head of a        subject;

whereby the means for applying the first magnetic field and the meansfor applying the second magnetic field are capable of influencing an EEGphase between at least two sites in a brain of the subject of aspecified EEG frequency.

The magnetic fields (first magnetic field, and second magnetic field)may be of the same frequency, but out of phase with each other.Additional magnetic fields may be provided by additional means forapplying such magnetic fields. These too may be out of phase with eachother, or with any of the magnetic fields. Nevertheless, the magneticfields in some embodiments may have the same frequencies. The devicesmay be a Permanent Magneto-EEG Resonant Therapy (pMERT) (i.e. aNeuro-EEG Synchronization Therapy NEST device) as described herein. Thespecified EEG frequency may be an intrinsic frequency as describedherein. The specified EEG frequency may be a pre-selected frequency asdescribed herein. The pre-selected frequency may be an average intrinsicfrequency of a healthy population database within a specified EEG band.

In some aspects, is a device for use in treating a subject, comprising:a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) device; whereby the means forapplying the magnetic field is capable of influencing (a) an intrinsicfrequency of a brain of the subject within a specified EEG band; (b) aQ-factor of an intrinsic frequency of a brain of the subject within aspecified EEG band; (c) a coherence of intrinsic frequencies amongmultiple sites in a brain of the subject within a specified EEG band; or(d) a combination thereof.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specificationare herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if eachindividual publication or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the features and advantages of the systems andmethods provided will be obtained by reference to the following detaileddescription that sets forth illustrative embodiments and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary device in which the magnet rotates so that theplane of rotation is perpendicular to the surface of the scalp.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary device in which a horseshoe magnet ispositioned such that the plane of rotation is parallel to the surface ofthe scalp.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary device which two bar magnets are rotatedsynchronously to provide a more uniform phase for the magnetic field inthe brain.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary device in which the magnet rotates so that theplane of rotation is perpendicular to the surface of the scalp and apair of electrodes is used to record the EEG of the patient.

FIG. 5 shows a sample EEG segment for a subject before therapy isdelivered. The block on the left shows a time series EEG while thesubject is sitting at rest with eyes closed. The block in the centershows the energy across the frequency spectrum for the sampled EEG. Thevertical line drawn through the peaks is at 9.1 Hz, the subject'sintrinsic alpha frequency. The circle at the right shows thedistribution of EEG energy at the intrinsic alpha frequency throughoutthe scalp, looking down on the top of the subject's head. In the circlerepresentation, the majority of the EEG energy at the alpha frequency isconcentrated at the back of the brain.

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5, except the EEG was sampled immediatelyfollowing therapy. In this, it can be seen that the energy associatedwith the intrinsic alpha frequency has increased significantly. From thecircle representation on the right, it can be seen that the distributionof energy at the intrinsic alpha frequency throughout the head is moreuniform, though the majority of energy is still concentrated at the backof the brain.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of the pMERT or NEST device. Inthis embodiment, a button EEG electrode is located on the concavesurface of the device and a second reference electrode extends via awire from the side of the device. The display and control buttons arelocated on top of the device to provide information and allow the userto adjust parameters and enter patient data. A USB port is located atthe top rear of the device, to allow it to be connected via a USB cableto a PC, allowing uploading of data and downloading of a dosage quota.

FIG. 8 shows the pMERT or NEST device from FIG. 7 in which a subject islying with the head against the concave surface. At least one movingmagnet is unseen inside the pMERT or NEST device in order to delivertherapy to the subject. The subject's head is pressed against the buttonEEG electrode, with the second electrode attached to the subject's rightear.

FIG. 9 shows an alternate angle of the subject receiving therapy fromthe pMERT or NEST device as described in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows some exemplary embodiments for various movements of atleast one permanent magnet.

FIGS. 11A through 11K show additional exemplary embodiments for variousmovements of at least one permanent magnet.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the Q-factor as used in this invention. Thefigure shows a sample graph of the frequency distribution of the energyof an EEG signal. It can be seen that a frequency range, Δf can bedefined as the frequency bandwidth for which the energy is aboveone-half the peak energy. The frequency f₀ is defined as the intrinsicfrequency in the specified band. The Q-factor is defined as the ratio off₀/Δf. As can be seen, when ΔF decreases for a given f₀, the Q-factorwill increase. This can occur when the peak energy E_(max) of the signalincreases or when the bandwidth of the EEG signal decreases.

FIG. 13 shows an example embodiment of a diametrically magnetizedcylindrical magnet for use in a NEST device.

FIG. 14 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device having adiametrically magnetized cylindrical magnet rotating about its cylinderaxis and applied to a subject.

FIG. 15 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device having twodiametrically magnetized cylindrical magnets rotating about theircylinder axes and applied to a subject.

FIG. 16 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device having threediametrically magnetized cylindrical magnets rotating about theircylinder axes and applied to a subject.

FIG. 17 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device having threediametrically magnetized cylindrical magnets configured to rotate abouttheir cylinder axes.

FIG. 18 shows an exploded view of the example embodiment of the NESTdevice of FIG. 17 having three diametrically magnetized cylindricalmagnets configured to rotate about their cylinder axes.

FIG. 19 shows the example NEST device embodiment of FIG. 17 having threediametrically magnetized cylindrical magnets configured to rotate abouttheir cylinder axes and including a frame and base for mounting the NESTdevice.

FIG. 20 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device having eightdiametrically magnetized cylindrical magnets configured to rotate abouttheir cylinder axes.

FIG. 21 shows the magnet rotation of the example NEST device embodimentof FIG. 20 having eight diametrically magnetized cylindrical magnetsconfigured to rotate about their cylinder axes.

FIG. 22 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device having two axiallypolarized half-disc magnets that rotate about a common rotation axis.

FIG. 23 shows an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an exampleNEST device embodiment similar to that of FIG. 22 having two rectangularmagnets that rotate about a common rotation axis.

FIG. 24 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device similar to theembodiments depicted in FIGS. 22 and/or 23 having two magnets rotatingabout a common rotation axis applied to a subject and showing thecontroller subunit.

FIG. 25 shows block diagram of an example embodiment of a NEST showingthe elements of the NEST device and its controller subunit.

FIG. 26 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device having a single barmagnet that moves linearly along its north-south axis once each time thesupporting ring is rotated, providing a pulse-type alternating magneticfield at the frequency of rotation.

FIG. 27 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device having an EEGelectrode located in the subject's ear canal, and a reference EEGelectrode located on an earlobe of the subject.

FIG. 28 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device applied to asubject, wherein the NEST device has three diametrically magnetizedcylindrical magnets rotating about their cylinder axes having a magneticphase between at least two of the magnets that is not zero.

FIG. 29 shows the magnetic field strengths of two magnets moving at thesame frequency at the same time, but having a magnetic phase relative toone another (out of phase relative to each other).

FIG. 30 shows a theoretical EEG electrode readings measured at twolocations on a subject's head within a single EEG band when the twolocations are exhibiting similar (or the same) frequency, but are out ofphase relative to each other, i.e. displaying an EEG phase.

FIG. 31 is a comparison of change in the HAMD score of Responders versusNon-Responders.

FIG. 32 is a comparison of the change in HAMD scores Subjects receivingNEST therapy versus Subjects receiving SHAM (i.e. control) therapy.

FIG. 33 shows the change in HAMA score of two patients over a period ofthree weeks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While certain embodiments have been provided and described herein, itwill be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that suchembodiments are provided by way of example only. It should be understoodthat various alternatives to the embodiments described herein may beemployed, and are part of the invention described herein.

Since brain activity is a distributed phenomenon, conventionalhigh-energy pulses used by rTMS that focus on a specific area of thebrain may not be optimal for influencing the overall frequency of thebrain. Instead of using short high-energy pulses at the desiredfrequency, it is possible instead use a sinusoidal or near-sinusoidalmagnetic field (likely with lower energy) to generate a similar effect.To affect the brain with a lower energy magnetic field, the stimulationmay need to be applied for a longer period.

In some embodiments, described are methods and devices that provide lowfrequency sinusoidal or near-sinusoidal transcranial magneticstimulation therapy by rotating one or more permanent magnets in closeproximity to the subject's head.

Described are methods and systems for novel, inexpensive, easy to usetherapy for a number of mental disorders. Described are methods anddevices to treat mental disorders that involve no medication. Methodsand devices described herein gently “tune” the brain and affect mood,focus, and cognition of subjects.

In one aspect are methods of treating a subject, comprising: (a)adjusting output of a magnetic field for influencing an intrinsicfrequency of a specified EEG band of the subject toward a pre-selectedor target intrinsic frequency of the specified EEG band; and (b)applying said magnetic field close to a head of the subject.

In another aspect are methods of altering an intrinsic frequency of abrain of a subject within a specified EEG band, comprising: (a)determining the intrinsic frequency of the subject within the specifiedEEG band; (b) comparing the intrinsic frequency from step (a) to anaverage intrinsic frequency of a healthy population database; (c) if theintrinsic frequency from step (a) is higher than the average intrinsicfrequency of the healthy population database, shifting down theintrinsic frequency of the subject by applying a specific magnetic fieldclose to a head of the subject, wherein said specific magnetic field hasa frequency lower than the intrinsic frequency of the subject; and (d)if the intrinsic frequency from step (a) is lower than the averageintrinsic frequency of the healthy population database, shifting up theintrinsic frequency of the subject by applying a specific magnetic fieldclose to a head of the subject, wherein said specific magnetic field hasa frequency higher than the intrinsic frequency of the subject.

In another aspect are methods of treating a subject, comprising: (a)adjusting output of a magnetic field for influencing a Q-factor, ameasure of frequency selectivity of a specified EEG band, of the subjecttoward a pre-selected or target Q-factor of the band; and (b) applyingsaid magnetic field close to a head of the subject.

In another aspect are methods of treating a subject, comprising:determining the Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency within the specifiedEEG band of the subject; comparing the Q-factor of the intrinsicfrequency from step (a) to an average Q-factor of the intrinsicfrequency of a healthy population database; if the Q-factor of theintrinsic frequency from step (a) is higher than the average Q-factor ofthe intrinsic frequency of the healthy population database, tuning downthe Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency of the subject by applying amagnetic field with a plurality of frequencies or with a singlepre-selected frequency close to a head of the subject; and if theQ-factor of the intrinsic frequency from step (a) is lower than theaverage Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency of the healthy populationdatabase, tuning up the Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency of thesubject by applying a magnetic field with a pre-selected frequency to ahead of the subject.

In another aspect are methods of treating a subject, comprising: (a)adjusting output of a magnetic field for influencing a coherence ofintrinsic frequencies among multiple sites in a brain of the subjectwithin a specified EEG band toward a pre-selected or target coherencevalue; and (b) applying said magnetic field close to a head of thesubject

In another aspect are methods adjusting output of a magnetic field forinfluencing a coherence of intrinsic frequencies among multiple sites ina brain of the subject within a specified EEG band toward a pre-selectedor target coherence value comprising: determining the coherence value ofthe intrinsic frequencies among multiple locations throughout a scalp ofthe subject; comparing the coherence value from step (a) to an averagecoherence value of a healthy population database; if the coherence valuefrom step (a) is higher than the average coherence value of the healthypopulation database, lowering the coherence value of the subject byapplying at least two asynchronous magnetic fields close to a head ofthe subject; if the coherence value from step (a) is lower than theaverage coherence value of the healthy population database, raising thecoherence value of the subject by applying at least one synchronizedmagnetic field close to a head of the subject.

In another aspect are methods of using a Transcranial MagneticStimulation (TMS) device for influencing an intrinsic frequency of asubject within a specified EEG band, comprising: (a) adjusting output ofsaid TMS device; (b) changing EEG frequency, Q-factor, or coherence byrepetitive firing of a magnetic field using said TMS device; and (c)applying said magnetic field close to a head of the subject;

In another aspect are methods for treating a subject, comprising: (a)adjusting output of a magnetic field for influencing an EEG phasebetween two sites in the brain of a subject of a specified EEG frequencytoward a pre-selected EEG phase of the specified EEG frequency; and (b)applying said magnetic field close to a head of the subject.

In another aspect are methods of treating anxiety in a subject,comprising tuning up the Q-factor of an intrinsic frequency of thesubject by applying a magnetic field close to a head of the subject,wherein the magnetic field comprises at least one of (a) a singlepre-selected frequency; (b) a plurality of frequencies within aspecified EEG band; and (c) an intrinsic frequency of a brain of thesubject within a specified EEG band. In some embodiments, any of thedevices described herein may be used to treat anxiety.

In some embodiments, are method of treating depression in a subject,comprising tuning down the Q-factor of an intrinsic frequency of thesubject by applying a magnetic field close to a head of the subject,wherein the magnetic field comprises at least one of (a) a singlefrequency; (b) a plurality of frequencies within a specified EEG band;and (c) an intrinsic frequency of a brain of the subject within aspecified EEG band. In some embodiments, any of the devices describedherein may be used to treat depression.

In some embodiments, the pre-selected EEG phase is lower than the EEGphase between the two sites in the brain of the subject. In someembodiments, the pre-selected EEG phase is any EEG phase lower than theEEG phase between the two sites in the brain of the subject. In someembodiments, the pre-selected EEG phase is higher than the EEG phasebetween the two sites in the brain of the subject. In some embodiments,the pre-selected EEG phase is any EEG phase higher than the EEG phasebetween the two sites in the brain of the subject. In some embodiments,the pre-selected EEG phase is an EEG phase of a population of people.The population of people may be a set of people having a particulartrait, characteristic, ability, or feature. The population may be ahealthy population of people. The population of people may be a set ofpeople not having a particular disorder, such as anxiety, depression, orother disorders mentioned herein. In some embodiments, the methodscomprise measuring EEG data of two sites in the brain of the subject,and calculating the EEG phase between the two sites in the brain of asubject. The specified EEG frequency may be an intrinsic frequency asdescribed herein. The specified EEG frequency may be a pre-selectedfrequency as described herein. The pre-selected frequency may be anaverage intrinsic frequency of a healthy population database within aspecified EEG band.

In another aspect are methods for influencing an EEG phase of aspecified EEG frequency between multiple locations of a brain of asubject, comprising: (a) determining the EEG phase the between at leasttwo locations measured on the head of the subject; (b) comparing the EEGphase from step (a) to an average EEG phase of a healthy population; and(c) applying a magnetic field close to a head of the subject whereinapplying the magnetic field influences the determined EEG phase towardthe average EEG phase of a healthy population.

In another aspect are methods for using a Transcranial MagneticStimulation (TMS) device for influencing an EEG phase of a subject of aspecified EEG frequency, comprising: (a) adjusting output of said TMSdevice; (b) changing the EEG phase by repetitive firing of at least onemagnetic field using said TMS device; and (c) applying said magneticfield close to a head of the subject.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary device having a magnet 2 coupled to androtated by a motor 72 in which the magnet 2 rotates so that the plane ofrotation is generally perpendicular to the surface of the scalp of thesubject 6, and the rotation axis 36 is generally parallel to at least aportion of the surface of the scalp of the subject 6. The motor 72 iscoupled to the magnet 2 by a drive shaft 4, and the magnet rotation iscontrolled by a controller 58 (i.e. controller subunit) that can atleast monitor and/or control the rotation of the magnet 2. Control ofthe rotation may include, for non-limiting example, the speed ofrotation, and the acceleration and/or deceleration of rotation, the timeof rotation, and the direction of rotation (e.g. clockwise,counter-clockwise).

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary device in which a magnet 2 in the shape of ahorseshoe is coupled to and rotated by a motor 72, and the magnet 2 ispositioned such that the plane of rotation is generally parallel to atleast a portion of the surface of the scalp of the subject 6, and therotation axis 36 is generally perpendicular to at least a portion of thesurface of the scalp of the subject 6. The motor 72 is coupled to themagnet 2 by a drive shaft 4, and the magnet rotation is controlled by acontroller 58 (i.e. controller subunit) that can at least monitor and/orcontrol the rotation of the magnet 2. Control of the rotation mayinclude, for non-limiting example, the speed of rotation, and theacceleration and/or deceleration of rotation, the time of rotation, andthe direction of rotation (e.g. clockwise, counter-clockwise).

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary device which two bar magnets 2 a, 2 b arecoupled to and rotated by motors 72 a, 72 b, and the magnets 2 a, 2 bare rotated synchronously to provide a more uniform phase for themagnetic field in the brain of a subject 6. The motors 72 a, 72 b arecoupled to the magnets 2 a, 2 b, respectively, by a drive shafts 4 a, 4b, and the rotation of the magnets 2 a and 2 b about rotation axes 36 a,36 b, respectively, is controlled by a controller 58 (i.e. controllersubunit) that can at least monitor and/or control the rotation of themagnet 2 a, 2 b. Control of the rotation of the magnets may include, fornon-limiting example, the speed of rotation, and the acceleration and/ordeceleration of rotation, the time of rotation, and the direction ofrotation (e.g. clockwise, counter-clockwise). The rotation of a singlemagnet (magnet 2 a, for example), may be controlled independently fromand/or simultaneously with the rotation of a second magnet (magnet 2 b,for example) by the controller 58. Additional magnets may be similarlyadded to the device. In another embodiment, a single motor is coupled toa plurality of magnets, and each of the magnets may be controlled by thecontroller, independently or simultaneously.

In some embodiments, the magnetic field used by the methods or devicesare not capable of exciting brain cells. In some embodiments, themagnetic field used by the methods or devices are below thresholds ofexciting brain cells. In some embodiments, the devices described canhave one or more permanent magnets mounted onto one or more rotatingshafts in such a way that it creates an alternating magnetic field whenthe shaft or shafts are spun. In some embodiments, the speed of rotationcan be set by the user or controlled using neurological feedback toprovide optimal therapy.

Methods and devices described herein can be used to treat at least onemental disorder listed below:

-   -   (a) Major depression;    -   (b) Bipolar disorder;    -   (c) Schizophrenia;    -   (d) Anxiety disorder;    -   (e) Obsessive-Compulsive disorder;    -   (f) ADHD;    -   (g) Autism;    -   (h) Sleep disorder;    -   (j) Parkinson's disease;    -   (k) Drug addiction;    -   (l) Substance abuse;    -   (m) Seizure;    -   (n) Head Injury;    -   (o) Alzheimer's disease;    -   (p) Eating disorder;    -   (q) Tinnitus; and    -   (r) Fibromyalgia.

In some embodiments, methods and devices described herein can be used totreat at least two mental disorders listed above. In some embodiments,methods and devices described herein can be used to treat at least threemental disorders listed above. In some embodiments, methods and devicesdescribed herein can be used to treat at least four mental disorderslisted above. In some embodiments, methods and devices described hereincan be used to treat at least five mental disorders listed above. Insome embodiments, methods and devices described herein can be used totreat at least six mental disorders listed above. In some embodiments,methods and devices described herein are not used to treatschizophrenia.

In another aspect are methods of treating anxiety in a subject,comprising tuning up the Q-factor of an intrinsic frequency of thesubject by applying a magnetic field close to a head of the subject,wherein the magnetic field comprises at least one of (a) a singlepre-selected frequency; (b) a plurality of frequencies within aspecified EEG band; and (c) an intrinsic frequency of a brain of thesubject within a specified EEG band. In some embodiments, any of thedevices described herein may be used to treat anxiety.

In some embodiments, are method of treating depression in a subject,comprising tuning down the Q-factor of an intrinsic frequency of thesubject by applying a magnetic field close to a head of the subject,wherein the magnetic field comprises at least one of (a) a singlefrequency; (b) a plurality of frequencies within a specified EEG band;and (c) an intrinsic frequency of a brain of the subject within aspecified EEG band. In some embodiments, any of the devices describedherein may be used to treat depression.

In some embodiments, methods and/or devices as described herein can beused to treat symptoms of fibromyalgia. In some embodiments, methodsand/or devices as described herein can be used to improve symptoms offibromyalgia. For non-limiting example, some symptoms that may beimproved include widespread pain, tenderness to touch, nausea dizziness,temporomandibular joint dysfunction, skin problems, depression,myofascial pain, morning stiffness, sleep issues, headaches, chemicalsensitivity, dysmenorrhea, muscle twitches and weakness, fatigue,urinary and pelvic problems, fibro-fog cognitive and/or memoryimpairment, anxiety, memory loss, breathing problems, and visionproblems.

In some embodiments, methods and/or devices as described herein can beused to halt the onset of a seizure. In some embodiments, methods and/ordevices as described herein can be used to prevent the onset of aseizure. In some embodiments, methods and/or devices as described hereincan be used to reduce or eliminate seizures by detuning the brain nearthe frequency of the seizures. In some embodiments, methods and/ordevices as described herein can be used to reduce or eliminate seizuresby tuning up an area of the brain (i.e., an intrinsic frequency in aband, such as alpha) different than the seizure area of the brain,thereby reducing the energy in the frequency associated with theseizure. The seizure may be caused by various conditions, diseases,injuries, and/or other factors. For non-limiting example, the conditionsmay include abnormalities in the blood vessels of the brain,atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries supplying the brain,bleeding into the brain, such as a subarachnoid hemorrhage, braintumors, chromosomal abnormalities, congenital diseases or conditions,high blood pressure, pregnancy and problems associated with pregnancy,stroke, transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke). For non-limitingexample, the diseases may include liver disease, Alzheimer's disease,dementia diseases, epilepsy, nervous system diseases, hereditarydiseases, infections involving the brain, encephalitis, brain abscess,bacterial meningitis, kidney failure, and chronic renal failure. Fornon-limiting example, the injuries may include choking, head injuries,electrical injuries, birth injuries, poisonous bites or stings.

Methods and devices described herein can be used to improve at least oneindication selected from the group consisting of replacement formeditation, quick nap, stress release, attention span, comprehension,memory, lowered blood pressure, increased libido, sports performance,academic performance, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments,methods and devices described herein can be used to improve at least twoindications from the group presented above. In some embodiments, methodsand devices described herein can be used to improve at least threeindications from the group presented above. In some embodiments, methodsand devices described herein can be used to improve at least fourindications from the group presented above. In some embodiments, methodsand devices described herein can be used to improve at least fiveindications from the group presented above. In some embodiments, methodsand devices described herein can be used to improve at least sixindications from the group presented above.

In some embodiments, methods and devices described herein can be used toimprove at least one indication from the group presented above, and atleast one mental disorder listed above. In some embodiments, methods anddevices described herein can be used to improve at least one indicationfrom the group presented above, and at least two mental disorders listedabove. In some embodiments, methods and devices described herein can beused to improve at least two indications from the group presented above,and at least one mental disorder listed above. In some embodiments,methods and devices described herein can be used to improve at least twoindications from the group presented above, and at least two mentaldisorders listed above. In some embodiments, methods and devicesdescribed herein can be used to improve at least one indication from thegroup presented above, and at least three mental disorders listed above.In some embodiments, methods and devices described herein can be used toimprove at least two indications from the group presented above, and atleast three mental disorders listed above. In some embodiments, methodsand devices described herein can be used to improve at least threeindications from the group presented above, and at least three mentaldisorders listed above. In some embodiments, methods and devicesdescribed herein can be used to improve at least three indications fromthe group presented above, and at least two one mental disorders listedabove.

Methods and devices described herein can be used to improve at least onecharacteristic selected from the group consisting of peripheral visualresponse, attention span, immediate reaction time (IRT), movement time(MT), simple perceptual reaction time (SPR), conflict perceptualreaction time (CPR), and any combination thereof. In some embodiments,methods and devices described herein can be used to improve at least twoindications from the group presented above. In some embodiments, methodsand devices described herein can be used to improve at least threeindications from the group presented above. In some embodiments, methodsand devices described herein can be used to improve at least fourindications from the group presented above. In some embodiments, methodsand devices described herein can be used to improve at least fiveindications from the group presented above. In some embodiments, methodsand devices described herein can be used to improve at least sixindications from the group presented above.

In some embodiments, methods and devices described herein can be used toimprove at least one characteristic from the group presented above, andat least one mental disorder listed above. In some embodiments, methodsand devices described herein can be used to improve at least onecharacteristic from the group presented above, and at least two mentaldisorders listed above. In some embodiments, methods and devicesdescribed herein can be used to improve at least two characteristicsfrom the group presented above, and at least one mental disorder listedabove. In some embodiments, methods and devices described herein can beused to improve at least two characteristics from the group presentedabove, and at least two mental disorders listed above. In someembodiments, methods and devices described herein can be used to improveat least one characteristic from the group presented above, and at leastthree mental disorders listed above. In some embodiments, methods anddevices described herein can be used to improve at least twocharacteristics from the group presented above, and at least threemental disorders listed above. In some embodiments, methods and devicesdescribed herein can be used to improve at least three characteristicsfrom the group presented above, and at least three mental disorderslisted above. In some embodiments, methods and devices described hereincan be used to improve at least three characteristics from the grouppresented above, and at least two one mental disorders listed above.

In some embodiments, methods and devices described herein can be used toimprove at least one characteristic from the group presented above, andat least one indication presented above. In some embodiments, methodsand devices described herein can be used to improve at least onecharacteristic from the group presented above, and at least twoindications presented above. In some embodiments, methods and devicesdescribed herein can be used to improve at least two characteristicsfrom the group presented above, and at least one indication presentedabove. In some embodiments, methods and devices described herein can beused to improve at least two characteristics from the group presentedabove, and at least two indications presented above. In someembodiments, methods and devices described herein can be used to improveat least one characteristic from the group presented above, and at leastthree indications presented above. In some embodiments, methods anddevices described herein can be used to improve at least twocharacteristics from the group presented above, and at least threeindications presented above. In some embodiments, methods and devicesdescribed herein can be used to improve at least three characteristicsfrom the group presented above, and at least three indications presentedabove. In some embodiments, methods and devices described herein can beused to improve at least three characteristics from the group presentedabove, and at least two one indications presented above.

Methods and devices described herein can be used to provide animprovement to a mental disorder as measured using a rating scaleselected from the group consisting of HAMA, HAMD, PANSS, MADRS, BARS,SAS, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments of at least oneaspect described above, the method provides an improvement as measuredusing the Unified Parkinson's Rating Scale. In some embodiments of atleast one aspect described above, the method provides an improvement asmeasured using a modified Unified Parkinson's Rating Scale. The modifiedUnified Parkinson's Rating Scale may include, for non-limiting example,measuring muscle tone and knee/arm flexibility.

In some embodiments, the pMERT (permanent Magneto-EEG Resonant Therapy)device (i.e. the NEST device) comprises one or more powerful magnets(>5000 G each) that rotate at a specific frequency or frequencies tobring about the desired therapy. A single, dual, or multi-channel EEG isincorporated in the device to acquire a sample EEG segment and determinethe alpha frequency distribution. From this information, the devicecontrols the frequency of rotation of the magnet or magnets to delivertherapy.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary device in which the magnet 2 rotates so thatthe plane of rotation is generally perpendicular to the surface of thescalp of a subject 6 and a bio-feedback sensor and/or EEG electrode 82 ais used to control the speed of rotation about the rotation axis 36. Therotation of the magnet 2 is driven by a motor 72 which is coupled to adrive shaft 4, and the drive shaft 4 is coupled to the magnet 2. In someembodiments at least two EEG electrodes, 82 a, 82 b are used to controlthe speed of rotation, wherein at least one EEG electrode, for exampleEEG electrode 82 b, is used as a reference electrode (and/or a groundelectrode). The electrodes, 82 a, 82 b may be connected to an amplifier80 which can amplify the signal received from the electrodes, 82 a, 82b. The magnet rotation may be controlled and/or monitored by acontroller subunit (controller), 58, which may also receive, record,and/or display the signal or signals received from the EEG electrodes 82a, 82 b. In some embodiments, the reading from a reference EEGelectrode, for example EEG electrode 82 b, is subtracted and/orotherwise removed from the reading from the second EEG electrode, forexample EEG electrode 82 a. In some embodiments, the bio-feedbacksensor/EEG electrode is used, at least in part, to determine thesubsequent treatment regimen for the subject.

In some embodiments, the EEG electrodes are used to measure the brainwaves of the subject at various times, for non-limiting example, priorto applying a method of treatment as provided herein using a devicedescribed herein, during application of a method of treatment asprovided herein using a device described herein, and/or after applying amethod of treatment as provided herein using a device described herein.In some embodiments, the EEG electrodes are used to measure the brainwaves of the subject at various times, for non-limiting example, priorto using a device described herein, during use of a device describedherein, and/or after using a device described herein. In someembodiments, the EEG electrodes are used to measure the brain waves ofthe subject continuously for a specified period of time. In someembodiments the specified period of time is for non-limiting example, atleast about one hour, at least about 45 minutes, at least about 40minutes, at least about 30 minutes, at least about 20 minutes, at leastabout 15 minutes, at least about 10 minutes, at least about 5 minutes,at least about 1 minute, at least 30 seconds, at least about 10 seconds,at least about 5 seconds, and at least about 1 second. The term “about”when referring to the specified period of time of use of the EEGelectrodes to measure brain waves can mean variation of, for example, 1minute to 5 minutes, 30 seconds to 1 minute, 15 seconds to 30 seconds, 5seconds to 15 seconds, 1 second to 10 seconds, 1 second to 5 seconds,0.5 seconds to 1 second, and 0.1 seconds to 0.5 second.

In some embodiments, the intrinsic frequency of the subject is an alphafrequency of a brain of the subject. In some embodiments, alpha EEG of abrain of a subject can be critical in normal cognitive processes and thedesynchronization of alpha activity can play a pathophysiological rolein the mental disorders listed above. In some embodiments, the therapyusing methods or systems described lasts for about 20 minutes, is verygentle, and unnoticeable to the subject. In some embodiments, thequantifiable change in alpha frequency can be seen clearly following thetherapy session, and the patient may have an immediate reduction insymptoms. The therapy using methods or systems described can be mildenough to be used every day or as needed. The therapy using methods orsystems described does not have to involve any medication whatsoever.

“Patient” and “subject” are synonyms, and are used interchangeably. Asused herein, they mean any animal (e.g. a mammal) on which theinventions described herein may be practiced. Neither the term “subject”nor the term “patient” is limited to an animal under the care of aphysician.

FIG. 5 shows a sample EEG segment for a subject before therapy isdelivered. The block on the left shows a time series EEG while thesubject is sitting at rest with eyes closed. The block in the centershows the energy across the frequency spectrum for the sampled EEG. Thevertical line drawn through the peaks is at 9.1 Hz, the subject'sintrinsic alpha frequency. The circle at the right shows thedistribution of EEG energy at the intrinsic alpha frequency throughoutthe head, looking down on the top of the subject's head. In the circlerepresentation, the majority of the EEG energy at the alpha frequency isconcentrated at the back of the brain.

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5, except the EEG was sampled immediatelyfollowing therapy. In this, it can be seen that the energy associatedwith the intrinsic alpha frequency has increased significantly. From thecircle representation on the right, it can be seen that the distributionof energy at the intrinsic alpha frequency throughout the head is moreuniform, though the majority of energy is still concentrated at the backof the brain.

The pMERT Device (NEST Device)

Devices described may contain a plurality of magnets, and a plurality ofmagnets may be used to form an array to produce a desired magneticfield. Such magnetic field can be a pulsing or temporally variableunipolar magnetic field where treatments are performed with a magneticfield having a specific pole.

In some embodiments of a device or devices as described herein, thedevice is operable to influence an intrinsic frequency of the brain of asubject within a specified EEG band. A device as described herein may beoperable to influence a Q-factor of an intrinsic frequency of the brainof a subject within a specified EEG band. A device as described hereinmay be operable to influence a coherence of intrinsic frequencies amongmultiple sites in the brain of a subject within a specified EEG band. Adevice as described herein may be operable to influence a EEG phase ofintrinsic frequencies among multiple sites in the brain of a subjectwithin a specified EEG band.

In some embodiments, a method of treating a subject comprises: (a)adjusting output of a magnetic field for influencing a Q-factor, ameasure of frequency selectivity of a specified EEG band, of the subjecttoward a pre-selected or target Q-factor of the band; and (c) applyingsaid magnetic field close to a head of the subject.

In some embodiments, devices described can comprise a substantiallyplanar member upon which are affixed a plurality of magnets. Thus, themagnets may be oriented so as to permit application of a magnetic fieldhaving a substantially uniform polarity to a user. In some embodiments,the magnets may also be positioned on the array so that adjacent magnetshave opposite polarities.

In some embodiments, the devices described may be configured so as torestrict, in one or more directions, the movement of the magnet withinthe devices, thereby enabling selection of the polarity of the magneticfield to which the user is subjected. For example, magnets may be placedwithin the devices described so that one face of the magnet is alwayspointing toward a head of a subject. Accordingly, the subject issubjected to a dynamic magnetic field having a specific polarity.

In some embodiments, the devices described comprise at least onerotating mechanism. In some embodiments, mechanical subunits includingcams, gears and/or linkages may be utilized to move at least one magnet.These mechanical subunits may be powered through motorized means or maybe connected to other devices moving in the surrounding environmentwhich will cause the mechanical device to move the magnet. An externalexciter magnet may be positioned near the devices described, where theexternal exciter magnet generating a sufficiently strong magnetic fieldto cause movement of at least one magnet contained within the devicesdescribed.

In some embodiments, magnets of the devices described can be rotated bya rotating mechanism other than a motor. In some embodiments, thedevices comprise at least one orifice so that a stream of fluid such asa gas or liquid may be forced into the devices, wherein the stream offluid being sufficiently strong so as to move at least one magnet, thuscreating relative movement between the at least one magnet and a head ofa subject.

While permanent magnets of any strength may be utilized for the methodsand devices described herein, generally magnets having strengths withinthe range of about 10 Gauss to about 4 Tesla can be used. In someembodiments, the strength of at least one permanent magnet is from about100 Gauss to about 2 Tesla. In some embodiments, the strength of atleast one permanent magnet is from about 300 Gauss to about 1 Tesla.

In some embodiments, the permanent magnets for the methods and devicesdescribed comprise rare earth magnets such as neodymium, iron, boron orsamarium cobalt magnets. In some embodiments, the permanent magnets forthe methods and devices described are neodymium iron boron magnets. Insome embodiments, ceramic magnets, electromagnets or other more powerfulmagnets may be utilized as they become available. In some embodiments,electromagnets may be utilized for the methods and devices described.Current can be supplied to the electromagnet by wires penetratingthrough the devices described and connecting to an external powersource.

Described are magnetic therapeutic devices and methods for magnetictherapies where a brain of a subject is subject to at least one dynamicmagnetic field having an amplitude of at least a half waveform. Incertain embodiments, the treatment area is exposed to a half waveform ofmagnetic flux. In other embodiments, the treatment area is exposed to afull waveform of magnetic flux. Still other embodiments may permittreatment area to be exposed to either a half or full waveform. Tosubject the treatment area to such a dynamic magnetic field, themagnetic source may be rotated, oscillated, moved through a particularpattern, or otherwise moved relative to a head of a subject. Theapplication area of the subject can be positioned relative to themagnetic source so that the magnetic field extends around and/or throughthe application area. In certain embodiments, the devices describedcomprise at least one magnet having a north and south magnetic pole anda pole width equal to the width of the magnet at the poles.

Three parameters of magnetic fields generated by the devices describedcan be manipulated:

-   -   (a) the intensity of the magnetic field at the treatment site,        which can be determined by the strength of the magnets used and        the distance between the magnets and the subject's head;    -   (b) the frequency of the magnetic field, i.e., the rate of        change of the magnetic field, which can be determined by        movements of at least one magnet, such as by varying the speed        at which at least one magnet moved relative to the application        area;    -   (c) the amplitude of the net change in magnetic flux (or        waveform) to which the application area is subjected, and    -   (d) the phase of the magnetic field between two (or more)        magnets (i.e. the magnetic phase) when the magnetic field        frequencies of the two (or more) magnets are the same (or        substantially the same).

As to the amplitude of the net change in magnetic flux, it is generallyknown that permanent magnets have a north pole and south pole, withnorth pole magnetic flux emanating from the north pole, and south polemagnetic flux emanating from the south pole. In some embodiments, theapplication area is subject to a “full waveform” according to thedevices and methods described. For example, when a permanent magnetrotates relative to an application area, the application area mayinitially be subjected to a “full north pole field” where the north poleof the magnet is closest to the application area. As the north polerotates away from the application area and the south pole rotates towardthe application area, the strength of the north pole field decreasesuntil a “neutral field” is encountered, approximately at the midpoint ofthe magnet. As the south pole continues to rotate toward the applicationarea, the application area is subjected to a south pole field ofincreasing intensity until the south pole is closest to the applicationarea where the application area is subjected to a “full south polefield.” By rotating in this fashion, the object is subjected to a “fullwaveform.” Likewise, the application area is also subject to a “fullwaveform” when the magnet rotates from the south pole to the north pole.As used herein, a south pole may also be referred to as “negative,” (−),or S, and a north pole may also be referred to as “positive,” (+), or N.

For example, FIG. 10A through FIG. 10G show some exemplary embodimentsfor various movements of at least one permanent magnet. FIG. 10A shows agraph of the magnetic field over time. That is, it shows a graph 92 aexpressing an example magnetic field experienced by a subject 6 a as amagnet 2 a rotation about an axis between the north pole (+) and southpole (−) of the magnet 2 a. The position of the magnet relative to thesubject 6 a and the field strength (+ or −, amplitude can vary,depending on for example, the application, method, magnet and therapybeing delivered) is shown in FIG. 10A. For example at Time=0, thesubject 6 a may experience no magnetic field (i.e. a neutral field) whenthe magnet's north pole is equally as far from the subject 6 a as themagnet's south pole (assuming the north pole and south pole have equalstrengths yet opposite polarities). As the magnet 2 a spins such thatthe south pole of the magnet 2 a is closest to the subject 6 a, thesubject 6 a experiences a negative magnetic field, as shown in FIG. 10a, and as the magnet 2 a spins further, the subject 6 a is exposed to achanging magnetic field from, for example, a neutral field, to anegative field, to a neutral field, to a positive field, and so on. Asfurther shown in FIG. 10A, an array of magnets (i.e. a plurality) may beused alternatively to a single magnet to provide a more uniform field tothe subject's brain. FIG. 10A shows a subject 6 a 1 exposed to an arrayof nine rotating magnets, as well as a subject 6 a 2 exposed to an arrayof five rotating magnets. In some embodiments, any number of rotatingmagnets may be used to provide a more uniform field to the subject'sbrain.

Various exemplary wave forms resulting from embodiments of the devicesand methods provided herein are shown in FIG. 10B through FIG. 10G. Forexample, FIG. 10B shows a full waveform in the form of a step functionwhere a magnetic field cycles through a sequence wherein the magneticfield is positive (+) then neutral, then negative (−), then neutral, andrepeats. FIG. 10C shows a half waveform in the form of a step functionwhere a magnetic field cycles through a sequence wherein the magneticfield is positive (+) then neutral, and repeating this sequence. FIG.10D shows an alternative a half waveform in the form of a step functionwhere a magnetic field cycles through a sequence wherein the magneticfield is positive (+) then off (or neutral), remaining off (neutral) fora longer period of time than remaining positive (+), and repeating thissequence. FIGS. 10E, 10F and 10G each show example full wave formsresulting from embodiments of a NEST device having at least one magnetwherein the magnet's, or magnets' north pole and south polealternatively change distances from the subject in a regular pattern. Byshielding a pole of the magnets of the array, half waveforms may becreated using the same array of magnets, for example shielding as shownin FIG. 11C and/or FIG. 11D, discussed further below.

In some embodiments, the application area is subject to a “halfwaveform” according to the devices and methods described. For example,an object may be subjected to a “half waveform” where the magnet rotatesrelative to the application area from a full north pole field to aneutral field or from full south pole field to a neutral filed. In someembodiments, the “half waveform” treatment can be achieved by limitingrotation or movement of the magnets. In some embodiments, the “halfwaveform” treatment can be achieved by shielding the north pole or southpole of the magnet, leaving only the other pole exposed for thetreatment of the application area.

To subject the treatment area to a dynamic magnetic field by the methodsand devices described herein, the magnetic source may be rotated,oscillated, moved through a particular pattern, or otherwise movedrelative to the treatment area. In some embodiments, the magnetic sourceis rotated about an axis. In some embodiments, the magnetic source isoscillated with respect to the application area. In some embodiments,the magnetic source has a linear movement with respect to theapplication area. Such linear movement can be like a piston movement. Insome embodiments, the magnetic source has a swing motion with respect tothe application area. Such swing motion can be like a swinging pendulummovement. In some embodiments, the magnetic source has a combination ofrotation, linear, oscillated, and swing movements. In some embodiments,the magnetic source has any combination of rotation, linear, oscillated,and swing movements. In some embodiments, said movement comprises atleast one of rotational motion, linear motion, and swing motion.

In some oscillatory embodiments, a plurality of magnets are fixedlymounted on a supporting plate, the magnets being spaced apart from eachother so that the each magnet is spaced apart from the next nearestmagnets by at least one pole width. Each magnet may be positioned sothat the upwardly facing pole of each magnet is the same. For example,in one configuration, the north pole face of each magnet is mounted to asupporting plate. In an alternate configuration, the south pole face ofeach magnet is mounted to a supporting plate. By laterally displacingmagnets so arranged proximate to an application area, such area issubjected to a repeating half waveform (full north to zero to fullnorth). In another embodiment, by reversing the polarity of the magnetsproximate to the application area, such area is subjected to a repeatinghalf waveform (full south to zero to full south).

In some oscillatory embodiments, a plurality of elongated magneticsources are placed adjacent to each other so that a repeating pattern ofalternating magnetic poles are formed, the poles being spaced apart by apredetermined distance. The oscillation of the magnetic sources by adistance equal to or greater than the predetermined distance subjects anapplication area to a complete reversal of magnetic flux, i.e., a fullwaveform.

FIGS. 11A through 11L show additional exemplary embodiments for variousmovements of at least one permanent magnet. FIG. 11A shows two magnets102 a 1, 102 a 2 coupled to each other and spun about a rotation axis138 a. In the embodiment of FIG. 11A, the subject (not shown) could bepositioned, for example, such that the rotation axis 138 is generallyperpendicular with the scalp of the subject, or wherein the rotationaxis 138 is generally parallel to the scalp of the subject, depending onthe desired waveform and/or magnetic flux for the particular subject.FIG. 11B is similar to FIG. 11A but with the magnets 102 b 1, 102 b 2having opposite polarity to the magnets 102 a 1, 102 a 2 of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C depicts another embodiment device having a single magnet 102 chaving a shield 194 covering the north pole of the magnet 102 c. Themagnet 102 c spins about a rotation axis 138 along the neutral plane ofthe magnet (i.e. between the north and south poles of the magnet 102 c).In the embodiment of FIG. 11C, the subject (not shown) could bepositioned, for example, such that the rotation axis 138 is generallyperpendicular with the scalp of the subject, or wherein the rotationaxis 138 is generally parallel to the scalp of the subject, depending onthe desired waveform and/or magnetic flux for the particular subject.FIG. 11D is similar to FIG. 11C but with the magnet 102 d havingopposite polarity to the magnet 102 c of FIG. 11C. FIG. 11D shows singlemagnet 102 d having a shield 194 covering the south pole of the magnet102 d.

FIG. 11E shows another embodiment device having a single magnet 102 ethat swings with pendulum-like motion along a pendulum path 198, thependulum path 198 at least in part defined by the distance betweenmagnet 102 e and the pendulum pivot 96. In the shown embodiment, thesouth pole (S) of the magnet 102 e is farther from the pendulum pivot 96than the north pole (N) of the magnet 102 e. In the embodiment of FIG.11E, the subject (not shown) could be positioned, for example, such thatthe pendulum path 198 is generally perpendicular with the scalp of thesubject, or wherein the pendulum path 198 is generally parallel to thescalp of the subject, depending on the desired waveform and/or magneticflux for the particular subject. FIG. 11F has similar characteristics toFIG. 11E, but with the magnet 102 f of FIG. 11F having opposite polarityto magnet 102 e of FIG. 11E.

FIG. 11G depicts another embodiment device having a single magnet 102 gthat is configured to spin about a rotation axis 138 positioned in thenorth pole region of the magnet 102 g (i.e. somewhere between theneutral plane of the magnet and the north pole (N) end of the magnet 102g). The rotation axis 138 is generally parallel to the neutral plane(not shown) of the magnet 102 g. In the embodiment of FIG. 11G, thesubject (not shown) could be positioned, for example, such that therotation axis 138 is generally perpendicular with the scalp of thesubject, or wherein the rotation axis 138 is generally parallel to thescalp of the subject, depending on the desired waveform and/or magneticflux for the particular subject. FIG. 11H is similar to FIG. 11G butwith the magnet 102 h having opposite polarity to the magnet 102 g ofFIG. 11G, and wherein the rotation axis 138 positioned in the south poleregion of the magnet 102 h (i.e. somewhere between the neutral plane ofthe magnet and the south pole (S) end of the magnet 102 h).

FIG. 11I shows another embodiment device having a single magnet 102 jmounted a distance away from the rotation axis 138 of the device, andhaving the north pole (N) of the magnet 102 j closer to the rotationaxis 138 than the south pole (S) of the magnet 102 j. In the embodimentof FIG. 11I, the subject (not shown) could be positioned, for example,such that the rotation axis 138 is generally perpendicular with thescalp of the subject, or wherein the rotation axis 138 is generallyparallel to the scalp of the subject, depending on the desired waveformand/or magnetic flux for the particular subject. FIG. 11J is similar toFIG. 11I but with the magnet 102 k having opposite polarity to themagnet 102 j of FIG. 11I.

FIG. 11K depicts an alternate embodiment device having a single arc-likemagnet 102 l (which may be, for example, a horseshoe magnet), that iscoupled to a drive shaft 104 aligned with the rotation axis 138. As thedrive shaft 104 spins about the rotation axis 138, the magnet 102 llikewise rotates about the rotation axis 138. In the embodiment of FIG.11K the subject (not shown) could be positioned, for example, such thatthe rotation axis 138 is generally perpendicular with the scalp of thesubject, or wherein the rotation axis 138 is generally parallel to thescalp of the subject, depending on the desired waveform and/or magneticflux for the particular subject.

The phrase “continuously applied” or “continuous application” refer totreatments where an application area is subject to at least one magneticfield with a full waveform or a half waveform for a period of timetypically longer than 2 minutes. Such phrases are distinguished fromshort pulse application (typically microseconds) of a magnetic field.

In some embodiments, the devices described can be powered with arechargeable battery. One battery charge can be enough for one or moretherapy sessions. In some embodiments, a display can indicate batterylife remaining and signal when the device should be recharged.

In some embodiments, the devices described use at least one connectionto a computer to allow for upload of therapy information, download ofsoftware upgrades, and to order more sessions to be allowed for thedevice. The connection may be a USB type of connection, or another typeof connection known or contemplated.

The speed of rotation can be critical to the specific therapy that isdelivered. Therefore, in some embodiments, the speed of rotation istightly controlled. In some embodiments, the speed setting may be set bythe user or may be set by a controller that uses a biological sensor asfeedback to optimize the magnetic field frequency.

In some embodiments, the methods and devices described use at least onebio-feedback sensor, the sensor can be an EEG lead placed on the scalp,along with a reference electrode that can be placed in an area of littlesensed brain activity. When more than one EEG sensor is used,correlation information can be gained among separate areas of the brain.The EEG and reference leads can be connected through a differentialamplifier to a controller module that regulates the speed of at leastone motor to rotate at least one magnet above the scalp.

Sensing EEG with a magnet rotating in the vicinity can be difficult,since the magnet can affect the electrode. To allow proper EEGmeasurement, a technique may be used to subtract the pure sine wave fromthe sensed EEG. In some embodiments, the magnet rotation can be stoppedtemporarily in order to take an EEG measurement that does not includethe effect of the rotating magnet.

Provided herein is a device operable to influence an EEG phase betweentwo sites in the brain of a subject 2806 within a specified EEG band,for example, as shown in FIG. 28. Any of the devices described hereinmay be used to influence the EEG phase between two sites in the brain ofa subject within a specified EEG band. The device may comprise at leasttwo permanent magnets 2802 a, 2802 b, wherein the subunit (not shown inFIG. 28, but shown in other figures, for example, FIGS. 1-4, 24, 25, 27)of the device is coupled to both the first and the second magnet, andwherein the subunit enables movement of the second magnet at a frequencybetween about 0.5 Hz and about 100 Hz. The subunit may enable movementof the second magnet at a frequency between about 2 Hz and about 20 Hz.The subunit may enable movement of the first and second magnet at thesame frequencies.

FIG. 28 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device applied to asubject 2806, wherein the NEST device has three diametrically magnetizedcylindrical magnets 2802 a, 2802 b, 2802 c, rotating about theircylinder axes having a magnetic phase between at least two of themagnets that is not zero. As shown in FIG. 27. a first permanent magnet2802 a of a device operable to influence an EEG phase may have a firstrotational orientation relative to a treatment surface 2899 of thedevice and the second permanent magnet 2802 b may have a secondrotational orientation relative to the treatment surface 2899 of thedevice. The device may be operable to move the first permanent magnet2802 a at the same frequency as the second permanent magnet 2802 b.

In some embodiments, a magnetic field results from a first magneticsource and a second magnetic source. FIG. 29 shows the magnetic fieldstrengths 2997 a, 2997 b of two magnets moving at the same frequency atthe same time 2992, but having a magnetic phase 2991 relative to oneanother (out of phase relative to each other). The magnetic fieldstrengths in this graph are plotted with time on the x axis, andmagnetic field strength on the y axis (with two x axis, to show therelative field strengths of each magnet simultaneously). As depicted inFIG. 29, a first magnetic source and a second magnetic source may be outof phase relative to each other in order to influence the EEG phase ofthe subject. In some embodiments, the amount that the first magneticsource and the second magnetic source are out of phase relative to eachother is called the magnetic phase 2991. The magnetic phase may bemeasured peak to peak (i.e. peak of the first magnet's field strength topeak of the second magnet's field strength-as shown in FIG. 29, at2991), or trough to trough, or inflection to inflection, or any similarplot characteristic on both of the magnets' field strength graphs.

In some embodiments, the first portion of the treatment surface is theportion of the treatment surface approximately closest to the firstpermanent magnet, and wherein the second portion of the treatmentsurface is the portion of the treatment surface approximately closest tothe second permanent magnet. For example, in FIG. 28, the treatmentsurface 2899 extends between the magnets 2802 a, 2802 b, 2802 c and thehead of the subject 2806. The first portion of the treatment surface isthat portion of the treatment surface 2899 between the first magnet 2802a and the nearest portion of the head of the subject 2806, Likewise, thesecond portion of the treatment surface is that portion of the treatmentsurface 2899 between the second magnet 2802 b and the nearest portion ofthe head of the subject 2806. In some embodiments, the first portion ofthe treatment surface is the portion of the treatment surface closest tothe first permanent magnet that is intended to be approximatelytangential to the head of the subject nearest that treatment surface. Insome embodiments, the second portion of the treatment surface is theportion of the treatment surface approximately closest to the secondpermanent magnet that is intended to be approximately tangential to thehead of the subject nearest that treatment surface.

In some embodiments of the devices disclosed herein, the differencebetween the first rotational orientation and the second rotationalorientation results in a magnetic phase when the first permanent magnetis moved at the same frequency as the second permanent magnet. As shownin FIG. 28, for non-limiting example, the first magnet 2802 a has arotational orientation relative to the treatment surface 2899 that isdifferent than the rotational orientation of second magnet 2802 b. Thefirst magnet 2802 a has a rotational orientation wherein its neutralaxis nearly parallel (or tangential, where the treatment surface iscurved) to the treatment surface 2899 nearest it, with its north poleclosest to the treatment surface 2899. The second magnet 2802 b has arotational orientation wherein its neutral axis that is nearlyperpendicular to the treatment surface 2899 nearest it, with its northpole only slightly closer to the treatment surface 2899 than its southpole. Relative to the treatment surface nearest each magnet, thus, thefirst magnet 2802 a has a rotational orientation that is offset from therotational axis of the second magnet 2802 b by around 90 degrees. Thefirst rotational orientation relative to a first portion of a treatmentsurface of the device may be between at least about 0 degrees and about360 degrees different from the second rotational orientation relative toa second portion of the treatment surface of the device. The firstrotational orientation relative to a first portion of a treatmentsurface of the device may be at least one of: between at least about 0degrees and about 180 degrees, between at least about 0 degrees andabout 90 degrees, between at least about 0 degrees and about 45 degrees,between at least about 0 degrees and about 30 degrees, between at leastabout 0 degrees and about 15 degrees, between at least about 0 degreesand about 10 degrees, at least about 5 degrees, at least about 10degrees, at least about 15 degrees, at least about 30 degrees, at leastabout 45 degrees, at least about 60 degrees, at least about 90 degrees,at least about 120 degrees, at least about 180 degrees, at least about240 degrees, and at least about 270 degrees different from the secondrotational orientation relative to a second portion of the treatmentsurface of the device. The specified EEG frequency may be an intrinsicfrequency as described herein. The specified EEG frequency may be apre-selected frequency as described herein. The pre-selected frequencymay be an average intrinsic frequency of a healthy population databasewithin a specified EEG band.

The magnetic phase of the device may be operable to influence an EEGphase between a first site and a second site in the brain of a subjectof a specified EEG frequency. FIG. 30 shows theoretical EEG electrodereadings 3095 a, 3095 b measured at two locations on a subject's headwithin a single EEG band when the two locations are exhibiting similar(or the same) frequency, but are out of phase relative to each other,i.e. displaying an EEG phase 3089. The EEG readings over time in thisgraph are plotted with time on the x axis, and EEG readings on the yaxis (with two x axis, to show two EEG electrode readings takensimultaneously at different locations on the head of the subject). Asdepicted in FIG. 30, a first EEG reading 3095 a, and a second EEGreading 3095 b may be out of phase relative to each other. In someembodiments, the amount that the first EEG reading and the second EEGreading are out of phase relative to each other is called the EEG phase3089. The EEG phase 3089 may be measured peak to peak (i.e. peak of thefirst EEG reading to peak of the second EEG reading—as shown in FIG. 30,at 3089), or trough to trough, or inflection to inflection, or anysimilar plot characteristic on both of the EEG reading graphs.

In some embodiments, the first site in the brain of a subject maygenerally align with a first permanent magnet, and the second site inthe brain of a subject may generally align with a second permanentmagnet of the device to influence the EEG phase between those two sites.Additional sites also be measured, and additional magnets mayadditionally be used to influence the EEG phase between given sitestoward a pre-selected EEG phase.

Provided herein is a device comprising, a means for applying a firstmagnetic field to a head of a subject; and a means for applying a secondmagnetic field to a head of a subject whereby the means for applying thefirst magnetic field and the means for applying the second magneticfield are capable of influencing an EEG phase between at least two sitesin a brain of the subject of a specified EEG frequency. The magneticfields (first magnetic field, and second magnetic field) may be of thesame frequency, but out of phase with each other.

Additional magnetic fields may be provided by additional means forapplying such magnetic fields. These too may be out of phase with eachother, or with any of the magnetic fields. Nevertheless, the magneticfields in some embodiments may have the same frequencies. The devicesmay be a Permanent Magneto-EEG Resonant Therapy (pMERT) (i.e. aNeuro-EEG Synchronization Therapy NEST device) as described herein.

Even a device having a magnetic phase of 0, where the magnets spin atthe same frequencies, and in-phase relative to the treatment surface ofthe device (and/or relative to the head of the subject), may influencethe EEG phase between two locations measured on the subject's head. Forexample, if prior to treatment, two EEG electrodes take EEG readingswithin an EEG band, and the frequencies are the same (or substantiallyso), however, the EEG readings have peaks for each electrode atdifferent times (i.e. a non-zero EEG phase), a device as describedherein may influence the EEG phase by applying a magnetic field having amagnetic phase (i.e. where the magnets move at the same frequency andin-phase with each other).

In some embodiments, a device comprises a first electrode operable todetect electrical brain activity; and a second electrode operable todetect a reference signal, wherein the first electrode is located on thesubject in at least one of: an area of low electrical resistivity on asubject, and an area with substantially no electrical impulseinterference on a subject, and wherein the second electrode is locatedon the subject. In some embodiments, a device comprises a firstelectrode operable to detect electrical brain activity; and a secondelectrode operable to detect a reference signal, wherein the firstelectrode is located on the subject in at least a portion of the earcanal of the subject, and wherein the second electrode is located on thesubject. Such electrode placements and configurations may be part of anyNEST device described herein. Alternatively, these electrodeconfigurations (including placement and conformation) may be part of anydevice wherein a clearer EEG signal is desired, since theseconfigurations result in reductions in noise and reduced resistivityfrom other signals (such as muscle twitches, etc) as compared toelectrodes placed on, for example, the head of a subject.

FIG. 27 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device having a first EEGelectrode 2782 a located in the subject's ear canal 2707, and areference EEG electrode 2782 b (i.e. a second electrode) located on anearlobe of the subject 2706. Conductive gel 2783 may also be used withthe first electrode 2782 b. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 27, theelectrodes 2782 a, 2782 b, couple by wires to a controller subunit 2758.The controller subunit 2758 also couples to at least one magnet 2702operable to apply a magnetic field to the subject's 2706 brain byspinning the magnet 2702 about its axis (not shown). Other NEST devicesas described herein may be used and may include the EEG electrodes asdescribed. Other magnet, magnets, and/or magnetic field configurationsas described herein may be used. Other controller subunits as describedherein may be used. The first electrode may be shaped to fit the areahaving substantially no electrical impulse interference, fornon-limiting example, a portion of the ear canal or a portion of thenasal cavity. The electrode may be shaped like a hearing aid, including,for non-limiting example, completely in the canal shaped, canal shaped,half-shell shaped, full shell shaped, behind the ear shaped, and openear shaped. The first electrode may be conformable to the area havingsubstantially no electrical impulse interference. The first electrodemay be compliant such that it fits the specific anatomy of the subject.The first electrode may come in multiple sizes to accommodate a range ofsubjects' anatomy. The first electrode may be configured such that thesubject may place the electrode in the area having substantially noelectrical impulse interference without assistance from, fornon-limiting example, a second person, a trained EEG technician, or amedical professional.

The area having substantially no electrical impulse interference may bea location having substantially no muscle activity. The area havingsubstantially no muscle activity may naturally have substantially nomuscle activity. Alternatively, the area having substantially no muscleactivity may be relaxed by a muscle relaxation means such as, fornon-limiting example, an injection with a substance that relaxes (and/orparalyzes) the muscles in the area, a topical application of a substancethat relaxes (and/or paralyzes) the muscles in the area, and/or by aningested muscle relaxation substance.

While an anatomical location of substantially no electrical impulseinterference (but where brain activity may be measured) may provide aclearer EEG signal resulting in less noise and reduced resistivity fromthe skull, the first electrode may alternatively be placed on the scalp(either directly, and/or with hair between the scalp and the electrode).A single or a plurality of electrodes may be placed on the scalp forcoherence measurement, phase measurement, intrinsic frequencymeasurement, and/or Q-factor measurement. Noise from scalp movementand/or resistivity from the skull may be filtered from the signal (orsignals) received from the EEG electrodes, however, such filtering maynot be necessary. Curve smoothing may be applied to the signal (orsignals) received from the EEG electrodes, however, such curve smoothingmay not be necessary. Using any of the EEG recording means noted herein,multiple signal recordings may be taken and combined to determine, fornon-limiting example, a coherence measurement, an intrinsic frequencymeasurement, and/or a Q-factor measurement. An EEG electrode cap may beused, and signals from one or more electrodes of the cap may be used asdescribed herein to determine an intrinsic frequency, a Q-factor, orcoherence.

The area of the scalp upon which the first EEG electrode (or theplurality of electrodes) is/are placed may be induced to have lessmuscle activity, or it may naturally have less muscle activity thanother areas on the scalp. Inducing less muscle activity in the area ofthe scalp may be achieved in various ways. For non-limiting example, thearea may be relaxed by a muscle relaxation means such as an injectionwith a substance that relaxes (and/or paralyzes) the muscles in thearea, a topical application of a substance that relaxes (and/orparalyzes) the muscles in the area, and/or by an ingested musclerelaxation substance.

In some embodiments, the second electrode operable to detect a referencesignal is a ground reference. The second electrode may be an ear clipattached to, for non-limiting example, a subject's earlobe. The secondelectrode may be attached to a location showing substantially no EEGactivity. The second electrode may be an ear clip.

The device as described herein may be operable to measure the EEG signalfrom the subject's brain prior to and/or after the application of themagnetic field to the subject. The device as described herein maycomprise logic (in a computer readable format—for non-limiting example,hardware, software) that receives and records the EEG signal prior toand/or following application of the magnetic field to the subject'sbrain (or a portion thereof). The device as described herein maycomprise logic (in a computer readable format) that determines theintrinsic frequency of a specified EEG band of the subject using the EEGsignal prior to and/or following application of the magnetic field tothe subject's brain (or a portion thereof). The device as describedherein may comprise logic (in a computer readable format) thatdetermines the Q-factor of an intrinsic frequency of a specified EEGband of the subject using the EEG signal prior to and/or followingapplication of the magnetic field to the subject's brain (or a portionthereof). The device as described herein may comprise logic (in acomputer readable format) that determines the coherence of the intrinsicfrequencies of a specified EEG band of the subject measured at multiplebrain locations. The device as described herein may comprise logic (in acomputer readable format) that determines the phase of the intrinsicfrequencies of a specified EEG band of the subject measured at multiplebrain locations.

Provided herein is a method of treating a subject, comprising adjustingoutput of a magnetic field for influencing an intrinsic frequency of aspecified EEG band of the subject toward a pre-selected intrinsicfrequency of the specified EEG band; and applying said magnetic fieldclose to a head of the subject. In some embodiments, a NEST device, suchas one of the NEST devices (pMERT devices) described herein is used tocreate the magnetic field of the method. In some embodiments,influencing an intrinsic frequency may include influencing harmonics ofthe pre-selected intrinsic frequency of the specified EEG band. In someembodiments, the pre-selected intrinsic frequency is a harmonic of thepeak intrinsic frequency of a specified EEG band. In some embodiments,influencing an intrinsic frequency may include providing a magneticfield having a target frequency that can be represented in the frequencydomain by an impulse function. In some embodiments, influencing anintrinsic frequency may include providing a magnetic field having atarget frequency having no variation (standard of deviation around thetarget frequency is 0). In some embodiments, influencing an intrinsicfrequency may include providing a magnetic field having a targetfrequency plus or minus at most 1% of the target frequency. In someembodiments, influencing an intrinsic frequency may include providing amagnetic field having a target frequency plus or minus at most 5% of thetarget frequency. In some embodiments, influencing an intrinsicfrequency may include providing a magnetic field having a targetfrequency plus or minus at most 10% of the target frequency. In someembodiments, influencing an intrinsic frequency may include providing amagnetic field having a target frequency plus or minus at most 10% ofthe target frequency. In some embodiments, influencing an intrinsicfrequency may include providing a magnetic field having a targetfrequency plus or minus at most 15% of the target frequency. In someembodiments, influencing an intrinsic frequency may include providing amagnetic field having a target frequency plus or minus at most 20% ofthe target frequency.

Provided herein is a method of treating a subject, comprising adjustingoutput of a magnetic field for influencing a Q-factor a measure offrequency selectivity of a specified EEG band of the subject toward apre-selected Q-factor of the band; and applying said magnetic fieldclose to a head of the subject. In some embodiments, a NEST device, suchas one of the NEST devices (pMERT devices) described herein is used tocreate the magnetic field of the method.

Provided herein is a method of treating a subject, comprising adjustingoutput of a magnetic field for influencing a coherence of intrinsicfrequencies among multiple sites in a brain of the subject within aspecified EEG band toward a pre-selected coherence value; and applyingsaid magnetic field close to a head of the subject. In some embodiments,a NEST device, such as one of the NEST devices (pMERT devices) describedherein is used to create the magnetic field of the method.

Provided herein is a method of altering an intrinsic frequency of abrain of a subject within a specified EEG band, comprising determiningthe intrinsic frequency of the subject within the specified EEG band;comparing the intrinsic frequency from step (a) to an average intrinsicfrequency of a healthy population database; if the intrinsic frequencyfrom step (a) is higher than the average intrinsic frequency of thehealthy population database, shifting down the intrinsic frequency ofthe subject by applying a specific magnetic field close to a head of thesubject, wherein said specific magnetic field has a frequency lower thanthe intrinsic frequency of the subject; and if the intrinsic frequencyfrom step (a) is lower than the average intrinsic frequency of thehealthy population database, shifting up the intrinsic frequency of thesubject by applying a specific magnetic field close to a head of thesubject, wherein said specific magnetic field has a frequency higherthan the intrinsic frequency of the subject. In some embodiments, a NESTdevice, such as one of the NEST devices (pMERT devices) described hereinis used to create the magnetic field of the method.

Provided herein is a method of altering a Q-factor of an intrinsicfrequency within a specified EEG band of a subject, comprisingdetermining the Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency within the specifiedEEG band of the subject; comparing the Q-factor of the intrinsicfrequency from step (a) to an average Q-factor of the intrinsicfrequency of a healthy population database; if the Q-factor of theintrinsic frequency from step (a) is higher than the average Q-factor ofthe intrinsic frequency of the healthy population database, tuning downthe Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency of the subject by applying amagnetic field with varying frequencies close to a head of the subject;and if the Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency from step (a) is lowerthan the average Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency of the healthypopulation database, tuning up the Q-factor of the intrinsic frequencyof the subject by applying a specific magnetic field with a pre-selectedfrequency close to a head of the subject. In some embodiments, a NESTdevice, such as one of the NEST devices (pMERT devices) described hereinis used to create the magnetic field of the method.

Provided herein is a method of improving coherence of intrinsicfrequencies within a specified EEG band among multiple locations of abrain of a subject, comprising determining the coherence value of theintrinsic frequencies among multiple locations throughout a scalp of thesubject; comparing the coherence value from step (a) to an averagecoherence value of a healthy population database; if the coherence valuefrom step (a) is higher than the average coherence value of the healthypopulation database, lowering the coherence value of the subject byapplying at least two asynchronous magnetic fields close to a head ofthe subject; if the coherence value from step (a) is lower than theaverage coherence value of the healthy population database, raising thecoherence value of the subject by applying at least one synchronizedmagnetic field close to a head of the subject. In some embodiments, aNEST device, such as one of the NEST devices (pMERT devices) describedherein is used to create the magnetic field of the method.

Provided herein is a method comprising adjusting an output current of anelectric alternating current source for influencing a Q-factor of anintrinsic frequency of an EEG band of a subject toward a targetQ-factor; and applying said output current across a head of the subject.

Provided herein is a method comprising adjusting output of a magneticfield for influencing an EEG phase between two sites in the brain of asubject of a specified EEG frequency toward a pre-selected EEG phase ofthe specified EEG frequency; and applying said magnetic field close to ahead of the subject.

In some embodiments, the pre-selected EEG phase is lower than the EEGphase between the two sites in the brain of the subject. In someembodiments, the pre-selected EEG phase is any EEG phase lower than theEEG phase between the two sites in the brain of the subject. In someembodiments, the pre-selected EEG phase is higher than the EEG phasebetween the two sites in the brain of the subject. In some embodiments,the pre-selected EEG phase is any EEG phase higher than the EEG phasebetween the two sites in the brain of the subject. In some embodiments,the pre-selected EEG phase is an EEG phase of a population of people.The population of people may be a set of people having a particulartrait, characteristic, ability, or feature. The population may be ahealthy population of people. The population of people may be a set ofpeople not having a particular disorder, such as anxiety, depression, orother disorders mentioned herein. In some embodiments, the methodscomprise measuring EEG data of two sites in the brain of the subject,and calculating the EEG phase between the two sites in the brain of asubject.

In some embodiments, there is no pre-selected EEG phase. Rather, themethod comprises adjusting output of a magnetic field for influencing anEEG phase between two sites in the brain of a subject within a specifiedEEG band; and applying said magnetic field close to a head of thesubject. The EEG phase may be influenced to be lower, or higher.

In another aspect are methods for influencing an EEG phase of aspecified EEG frequency between multiple locations of a brain of asubject, comprising determining the EEG phase the between at least twolocations measured on the head of the subject; comparing the EEG phaseto an average EEG phase of a healthy population; and applying a magneticfield close to a head of the subject. Applying the magnetic field mayinfluences the determined EEG phase toward the average EEG phase of ahealthy population. The specified EEG frequency may be an intrinsicfrequency as described herein. The specified EEG frequency may be apre-selected frequency as described herein. The pre-selected frequencymay be an average intrinsic frequency of a healthy population databasewithin a specified EEG band.

In another aspect are methods for using a Transcranial MagneticStimulation (TMS) device for influencing an EEG phase of a subjectwithin a specified EEG band, comprising: adjusting output of said TMSdevice; changing the EEG phase by repetitive firing of at least onemagnetic field using said TMS device; and applying said magnetic fieldclose to a head of the subject.

In some embodiments, the magnetic field results from a first magneticsource and a second magnetic source. In some embodiments, the firstmagnetic source and the second magnetic source are out of phase relativeto each other. In some embodiments, the amount that the first magneticsource and the second magnetic source are out of phase relative to eachother is called the magnetic phase.

In some embodiments of at least one aspect described herein, the step ofapplying the magnetic field is for a pre-determined cumulative treatmenttime. In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, thepre-selected or target intrinsic frequency with the specified EEG bandis from about 0.5 Hz to about 100 Hz. In some embodiments of at leastone aspect described above, the pre-selected or target intrinsicfrequency with the specified EEG band is from about 1 Hz to about 100Hz. In some embodiments of at least one aspect described above, thepre-selected or target intrinsic frequency with the specified EEG bandis not greater than about 50 Hz. In some embodiments of at least oneaspect described above, the pre-selected or target intrinsic frequencywith the specified EEG band is not greater than about 30 Hz. In someembodiments of at least one aspect described above, the pre-selected ortarget intrinsic frequency with the specified EEG band is not greaterthan about 20 Hz. In some embodiments of at least one aspect describedabove, the pre-selected or target intrinsic frequency with the specifiedEEG band is not greater than about 10 Hz. In some embodiments of atleast one aspect described above, the pre-selected or target intrinsicfrequency with the specified EEG band is greater than about 3 Hz. Insome embodiments of at least one aspect described above, thepre-selected or target intrinsic frequency with the specified EEG bandis greater than about 1 Hz.

In some embodiments, of at least one aspect described above, thepre-selected or target intrinsic frequency with the specified EEG bandis up to about 25 Hz. As used herein, the term “about” when referring toa frequency can mean variations of 1 Hz-0.2 Hz, 0.1 Hz to 0.5 Hz, 0.5 Hzto 1 Hz, or 1 Hz to 5 Hz.

In some embodiments, the pre-selected and/or target intrinsic frequencyis chosen from a plurality of intrinsic frequencies in the specified EEGband. In some embodiments the pre-selected and/or target intrinsicfrequency is chosen from a plurality of intrinsic frequencies across aplurality of EEG bands. In some embodiments the specified EEG band isthe Alpha band. In some embodiments the specified EEG band is the Betaband.

In some embodiments of the methods described herein, the method ormethods may comprise locating a first electrode operable to detectelectrical brain activity on the subject in an area of low electricalresistivity on a subject. In some embodiments of the methods describedherein, the method or methods may comprise locating a first electrodeoperable to detect electrical brain activity on the subject in an areawith substantially no electrical impulse interference on a subject. Insome embodiments of the methods described herein, the method or methodsmay comprise locating a first electrode operable to detect electricalbrain activity on the subject in an area having substantially noelectrical impulse interference. In some embodiments of the methodsdescribed herein, the method or methods may comprise locating a firstelectrode operable to detect electrical brain activity on the subject ina location having substantially no muscle activity. The method ormethods may further comprise locating a second electrode operable todetect a reference signal on the subject. The method or methods mayfurther comprise determining the intrinsic frequency from: theelectrical brain activity detected by the first electrode, and thereference signal detected by the second electrode.

In some embodiments of the methods described herein, the method ormethods may comprise locating a first electrode operable to detectelectrical brain activity on the subject in at least a portion of theear canal of the subject. The method or methods may further compriselocating a second electrode operable to detect a reference signal on thesubject. The method or methods may further comprise determining theintrinsic frequency from the electrical brain activity detected by thefirst electrode and the reference signal detected by the secondelectrode.

The method or methods described herein may comprise applying conductivegel to the area of low electrical resistivity on a subject (i.e. thelocation at which the first electrode is placed). The method or methodsdescribed herein may comprise applying conductive gel to the area havingsubstantially no electrical impulse interference on a subject (i.e. thelocation at which the first electrode is placed). The method or methodsdescribed herein may comprise applying conductive gel to the area havingsubstantially no muscle activity (i.e. the location at which the firstelectrode is placed). Alternatively, or in addition to the applying thegel, the method may comprise shaping the first electrode to fit the areaat which the first electrode is placed, for non-limiting example, theportion of the ear canal or the portion of the nasal cavity in which thefirst electrode is placed. The electrode may be pre-shaped to generallyfit the intended anatomical location of electrode placement, or theelectrode may be shaped in-situ to fit the specific subject's anatomicallocation of electrode placement. The method may comprise shaping theelectrode to fit an anatomical location (for example, the area at whichthe first electrode is to be placed). The method may comprise providingan electrode that fits an anatomical location (for example, the area atwhich the first electrode is to be placed). The first electrode may comein multiple sizes to accommodate a range of subjects' anatomy. The firstelectrode may be configured such that the subject may place theelectrode in the area having substantially no electrical impulseinterference without assistance from, for non-limiting example, a secondperson, a trained EEG technician, or a medical professional.

The method or methods described herein may comprise placing the firstelectrode in a location having substantially no electrical impulseinterference may be a location having substantially no muscle activity.The area having substantially no muscle activity may naturally havesubstantially no muscle activity. The method or methods described hereinmay comprise relaxing the area of the subject at which the firstelectrode is placed by a muscle relaxation means such as by, fornon-limiting example, injecting with a substance that relaxes themuscles in the area, applying a topical substance that relaxes themuscles in the area, and/or by providing an ingestible muscle relaxationsubstance to the subject that relaxes the muscles in the area. Themethod or methods described herein may comprise paralyzing the area ofthe subject at which the first electrode is placed by a muscle paralysismeans such as by, for non-limiting example, and/or injecting with asubstance that substantially paralyzes the muscles in the area, applyinga topical substance that substantially paralyzes the muscles in thearea.

While an anatomical location of substantially no electrical impulseinterference, and/or a location having substantially no muscle activity(but where brain activity may be measured) may provide a clearer EEGsignal resulting in less noise and reduced resistivity from the skull,nevertheless, the methods provided herein may comprise placing the firstelectrode on the scalp (either directly, and/or with hair between thescalp and the electrode). The methods provided herein may compriseplacing a plurality of electrodes on the scalp for coherencemeasurement, intrinsic frequency measurement, and/or Q-factormeasurement. The methods provided herein may comprise filtering from thesignal (or signals) received from the EEG electrodes noise from scalpmovement and/or resistivity from the skull. The methods provided hereinmay comprise smoothing the signal curve received and/or determined fromthe EEG electrodes. The methods provided herein may comprise determiningfrom multiple signal recordings: a coherence measurement, an intrinsicfrequency measurement, and/or a Q-factor measurement using any of theEEG recording means noted herein. An EEG electrode cap may be used, andsignals from one or more electrodes of the cap may be used as describedherein to determine an intrinsic frequency, a Q-factor, or coherence.

The area of the scalp upon which the first EEG electrode (or theplurality of electrodes) is/are placed may be induced to have lessmuscle activity, or it may naturally have less muscle activity thanother areas on the scalp. Inducing less muscle activity in the area ofthe scalp may be achieved in various ways. For non-limiting example, themethods may comprise relaxing the area where the first electrode isplaced, for non-limiting example, by injecting the area with a substancethat relaxes (and/or paralyzes) the muscles in the area, applying atopical substance that relaxes (and/or paralyzes) the muscles in thearea, and/or by providing an ingestible muscle relaxation substance thatrelaxes the muscles in the area.

In some embodiments, the method comprises placing a second electrodeoperable to detect a reference signal, wherein the second electrode is aground reference. The method may comprise attaching an ear clipelectrode to, for non-limiting example, a subject's earlobe. The earclip may be removable. The method may comprise attaching the secondelectrode to a location showing substantially no EEG activity.

Measuring the EEG signal from the subject's brain (i.e. measuring EEGdata of the subject) may be done prior to and/or after the applicationof the magnetic field to the subject. The method may comprise receivingthe EEG signals (i.e. receiving the reference signal from the referenceelectrode and receiving the brain activity from the first electrode)prior to application of the magnetic field to the subject's brain (or aportion thereof). The method may comprise recording the EEG signalsprior to application of the magnetic field to the subject's brain (or aportion thereof). The EEG signals (i.e. receiving the reference signalfrom the reference electrode and receiving the brain activity from thefirst electrode) received and/or recorded prior to application of themagnetic field to the subject's brain (or a portion thereof) may be usedin determining at least one of the intrinsic frequency of a specifiedEEG band of the subject, the Q-factor of an intrinsic frequency of aspecified EEG band of the subject, the phase of the intrinsicfrequencies of a specified EEG band of the subject, and the coherence ofthe intrinsic frequencies of a specified EEG band of the subjectmeasured at multiple brain locations. The method may comprise receivingthe EEG signals (i.e. receiving the reference signal from the referenceelectrode and receiving the brain activity from the first electrode)following (or after) application of the magnetic field to the subject'sbrain (or a portion thereof). The method may comprise recording the EEGsignals (i.e. the reference signal from the reference electrode and thebrain activity from the first electrode) following or after applicationof the magnetic field to the subject's brain (or a portion thereof). TheEEG signals received and/or recorded (i.e. the reference signal from thereference electrode and the brain activity from the first electrode)following (or after) application of the magnetic field to the subject'sbrain (or a portion thereof) may be used in determining at least one ofthe post-treatment intrinsic frequency of a specified EEG band of thesubject, the post-treatment Q-factor of an intrinsic frequency of aspecified EEG band of the subject, the post-treatment phase of theintrinsic frequencies of a specified EEG band of the subject, and thepost-treatment coherence of the intrinsic frequencies of a specified EEGband of the subject measured at multiple brain locations. Determiningthe intrinsic frequency may comprise removing the reference signaldetected by the second electrode from the electrical brain activitydetected by the first electrode. Determining the Q-factor of anintrinsic frequency of the specified EEG band comprises ascertaining theQ-factor from the electrical brain activity detected by the firstelectrode and the reference signal detected by the second electrode byremoving the reference signal detected by the second electrode from theelectrical brain activity detected by the first electrode andcalculating the Q-factor from the intrinsic frequency fo and the Δf asshown in FIG. 12.

rTMS Therapy

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) refers to uses of amagnetic field administered in very short grouped pulses (microsecondsin length) to a patient's head to achieve a constant train of activationover brief periods of a treatment session. These brief magnetic fieldscan stimulate small areas of the brain non-invasively. During a singlesession, about 3,000 magnetic pulses can be given over an interval ofabout 30 minutes.

The short pulses of magnetic energy generated by rTMS devices canstimulate nerve cells of the brain, often at frequencies close tothresholds of exciting brain cells. Magnetic fields generated by rTMSdevices can pass through the skull and into the cortex without beingdistorted. The result is a very focal type of stimulation, minimizingstimulation of brain tissue not intended to be stimulated.

The magnetic pulses generated by rTMS devices are generally believed toinduce electrical charges to flow. The amount of electricity created inthe brain is very small, and can not be felt by the patient. Theseflowing electric charges can cause the neurons to fire or become activeunder certain circumstances. Typically, an objective of rTMS Therapy isto stimulate (or activate) brain cells.

Jin Y et al. Therapeutic effects of individualized alpha frequencytranscranial magnetic stimulation (alphaTMS) on the negative symptoms ofschizophrenia. Schizophr Bull. 32(3):556-61 (2006 July; Epub 2005 Oct.27), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, described fourstimulation parameters that require optimization for rTMS:

-   -   (a) Frequency—Higher frequencies (>10 Hz) are believed to        increase cortical excitability;    -   (b) Intensity—As a percentage of the threshold at which motor        activity can be elicited (˜1-2 Tesla);    -   (c) Duration—Pulse trains are brief (1-2 seconds), and        intertrain intervals can be 30-60 seconds; and    -   (d) Site of Stimulation—Depending on patient population or        specific brain functions.

In some embodiments, severity of psychosis, depression, and movementdisorders can be assessed with PANSS, Montgomery-Asberg DepressionRating Scale (MADRS), Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS), andSimpson-Angus Scale (SAS), as described by Jin Y et al. above. In someembodiments, severity of psychosis, depression, and movement disorderscan be assessed with the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), the HamiltonDepression Scale (HAMD), or any methods known in the art. In someembodiments, efficacy in clinical ratings can be evaluated by usinganalyses of variance (ANOVA) as described by Jin Y et al. above. In someembodiments, raw EEG data can be edited offline by an experiencedtechnician who is blind to the treatment conditions to eliminate anysignificant or apparent artifact as described in Jin Y et al. above. Insome embodiments, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) withrepeated measures can be used to determine the main effect interactionsas described in Jin Y et al. above.

Since EEG changes can be direct consequences of treatments using themethods or devices described herein, those EEG changes can be used toclinically correlate improvement in symptoms of mental disorders.Improvement in symptoms can include positive symptoms and negativesymptoms. In some embodiments, the EEG changes after using the methodsor devices described correlated to both positive symptoms and negativesymptoms. In some embodiments, the EEG changes after using the methodsor devices described correlated to only positive symptoms. In someembodiments, the EEG changes after using the methods or devicesdescribed correlated to only negative symptoms. In some embodiments,correlations between EEG changes and improvement in negative symptomsare only significant in the absence of positive symptoms. In someembodiments, correlations between EEG changes and improvement inpositive symptoms are only significant in the absence of negativesymptoms.

In some embodiments, negative symptoms include, but not limited to, lossof motivation, anhedonia, emotional flattening, and psychomotorretardation. These negative symptoms can be associated with patient'scognitive deficits and poorer clinical prognosis, and often resistant toantipsychotic medications. See Gasquet et al., Pharmacological treatmentand other predictors of treatment outcomes in previously untreatedpatients with schizophrenia: results from the European SchizophreniaOutpatient Health Outcomes (SOHO) study. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 20:199-205 (2005), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

CES Therapy

Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) is a method of applyingmicrocurrent levels of electrical stimulation across the head viatranscutaneous electrodes. Provided herein is method including applyingan electric alternating current (AC) across a head of a subject, andadjusting and/or varying the frequency of the AC current to effect atleast one of a characteristic, mental disorder, and an indicationpresented herein. In some embodiments, the AC current is a microcurrent.

Provided herein is a method comprising adjusting an output of anelectric alternating current source for influencing an intrinsicfrequency of a EEG band of a subject toward a target frequency of theEEG band; and applying said electric alternating current across a headof the subject. In some embodiments of the methods, a CES therapy isused to influence the intrinsic frequency of a patient's brain toward atarget frequency as measured by EEG.

Provided herein is a method comprising adjusting an output current of anelectric alternating current source for influencing an intrinsicfrequency of an EEG band of a subject toward a target frequency of theEEG band; and applying said output current across a head of the subject.In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the output current comprisessetting the output current to a frequency that is lower than theintrinsic frequency of the subject. In some embodiments, the step ofadjusting the output current comprises setting the output current to afrequency that is higher than the intrinsic frequency of the subject. Insome embodiments, the step of adjusting the output current comprisessetting the output current to the target frequency. In some embodiments,the method further comprises determining the intrinsic frequency of theEEG band of the subject; and comparing the intrinsic frequency to thetarget frequency of the EEG band, wherein the target frequency is anaverage intrinsic frequency of the EEG bands of a healthy population ofpeople, wherein if the intrinsic frequency is higher than the targetfrequency, the step of adjusting the output current comprises settingthe output current to a frequency that is lower than the intrinsicfrequency of the subject, and if the intrinsic frequency is lower thanthe target frequency, the step of adjusting the output current comprisessetting the output current to a frequency that is higher than theintrinsic frequency of the subject.

Provided herein is a method comprising adjusting an output of anelectric alternating current source for influencing a Q-factor a measureof frequency selectivity of a specified EEG band of a subject toward atarget Q-factor of the band; and applying said electric alternatingcurrent across a head of the subject. In some embodiments of themethods, a controlled waveform CES therapy is used to influence aQ-factor of an intrinsic frequency of a patient's brain. FIG. 12 showsan example of the Q-factor as used in this invention. The figure shows asample graph of the frequency distribution of the energy of an EEGsignal. It can be seen that a frequency range, Δf can be defined as thefrequency bandwidth for which the energy is above one-half the peakenergy. The frequency f₀ is defined as the intrinsic frequency in thespecified band. The Q-factor is defined as the ratio of f₀/Δf. As can beseen, when ΔF decreases for a given f₀, the Q-factor will increase. Thiscan occur when the peak energy E_(max) of the signal increases or whenthe bandwidth of the EEG signal decreases.

Provided herein is a method comprising adjusting an output current of anelectric alternating current source for influencing a Q-factor of anintrinsic frequency of an EEG band of a subject toward a targetQ-factor; and applying said output current across a head of the subject.In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the output current comprisesvarying a frequency of the output current. In some embodiments, the stepof adjusting the output current comprises setting the output current toa frequency that is higher than the intrinsic frequency of the subject.In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the output current comprisessetting the output current to a frequency that is lower than theintrinsic frequency of the subject. In some embodiments, the step ofadjusting the output current comprises setting the output current to thetarget frequency. In some embodiments, the method further comprisesdetermining the Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency of the EEG band ofthe subject; and comparing the Q-factor to the target Q-factor, whereinthe target Q-factor is an average Q-factor of the intrinsic frequenciesof the EEG bands of a healthy population of people, wherein if theintrinsic frequency is higher than the target frequency, the step ofadjusting the output current comprises varying a frequency of the outputcurrent, and if the intrinsic frequency is lower than the targetfrequency, the step of adjusting the output current comprises settingthe output current to a frequency that is higher than the intrinsicfrequency of the subject.

In some embodiments, the frequency of the output current has a waveform.In some embodiments, the waveform is a sinusoidal or near-sinusoidal ACmicrocurrent waveform (i.e. a controlled waveform). In some embodiments,the waveform is any waveform described herein, including but not limitedto a half waveform and/or a full waveform. In some embodiments, the EEGband is the alpha band measured by EEG. In some embodiments, theintrinsic frequency is the alpha frequency of the patient's brainmeasured by EEG. In some embodiments, the target frequency is a targetfrequency of the alpha band as measure by EEG. In some embodiments thetarget frequency is an average frequency of a group of at least twopeople of the specified EEG band. In some embodiments, the healthypopulation of people comprises at least two healthy people. In someembodiments, the healthy population of people comprises at least twopeople, each of whom do not have at least one of the mental disorderslisted above. In some embodiments, the healthy population of peoplecomprises at least two people without any of the mental disorders listedabove.

It will be understood by those of skill in the art that numerous andvarious modifications can be made without departing from the spirit ofthe present invention. Therefore, it should be clearly understood thatthe forms of the present invention are illustrative only and are notintended to limit the scope of the present invention.

EXAMPLES

The invention is described in greater detail by the followingnon-limiting examples.

Example 1

In some embodiments, described are devices that provide low frequencynear-sinusoidal TMS therapy by rotating at least one permanent magnet inclose proximity to the subject's head. The direction of rotationrelative to the subject can vary depending on the specific therapydesired. Also, the speed of rotation can be adjusted to provide theoptimal therapeutic benefit. The speed adjustment itself can come fromthe user of the device or from a controller that uses feedback from abio-sensor to determine the optimal speed.

In particular embodiments, a bar magnet can be mounted at the end of theshaft with the line through the poles perpendicular to the axis of theshaft. The shaft can be rotated by an adjustable motor. The magnet canrotate so that the plane of rotation is perpendicular to the surface ofthe scalp. Accordingly, the positive and negative poles of the magnetcan be alternately brought in close proximity to the scalp. This cancreate a near-sinusoidal magnetic field in the brain in which thelocation where the field is strongest is that which is closest to themagnet.

Example 2

In particular embodiments, a horseshoe magnet can be mounted at the endof the shaft with the poles positioned at the far end from the shaft.The shaft can be rotated by an adjustable motor, as in the previousexample. The magnet can be positioned above the subject's scalp suchthat the plane of rotation is parallel to the surface of the scalp.Accordingly, the positive and negative poles can rotate in a circlearound the scalp. This can create a sinusoidal magnetic field in thebrain in which the phase of the magnetic field is dependent on where themagnetic poles are in their rotation. In general, the magnetic fieldunder one pole will be of opposite polarity to the magnetic field underthe opposite pole.

Example 3

In particular embodiments, two bar magnets can be used, each mounted atthe end of a shaft. The shafts can be rotated by adjustable motors. Themagnets can be positioned on opposite sides of the subject's head, andthey are rotated synchronously to provide a more uniform phase for themagnetic field in the brain. When the north Pole of one bar magnet isnext to the subject's scalp, the south Pole of the other magnet will benext to the subject's scalp on the opposite side of the subject's head.

Example 4

In particular embodiments, the NEST (pMERT) device is a small, generallycube-shaped device with one side that is curved to allow contact withthe top of the subject's head. FIGS. 7-9 show the NEST (pMERT) device insuch embodiments, and also show the NEST (pMERT) device with a subjectlying on his/her back with his/her head resting in the device to receivetherapy.

FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 show an exemplary embodiment of the pMERT (NEST)device 88. In this embodiment, a button EEG electrode 82 a is located onthe concave surface of the device 88 and a second reference electrode 82b extends via a wire from the side of the device 88. The display 64 andcontrol buttons 86 (device controls) are located on top of the device 88to provide information and allow the user to adjust parameters and enterpatient data. A USB port 84 (which may also and/or alternatively be atleast one of an internet connection port, a power supply, a modemconnection, and another type of communications means) is located at thetop rear of the device 88, to allow it to be connected via a USB cableto a PC, allowing uploading of data and downloading of a dosage quota.FIG. 8 shows the pMERT (NEST) device 88 from FIG. 7 in which a subject 6is lying with his/her head against the concave surface of the device 88.At least one moving magnet is unseen inside the pMERT (NEST) device 88in order to deliver therapy to the subject 6. Moving magnets such asthose in configurations described herein may be used in the device 88shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9. The subject's head is pressed against thebutton EEG electrode (not shown), with the second electrode 82 battached to the subject's right ear. FIG. 9 shows an alternate angle ofthe subject 6 receiving therapy from the pMERT (NEST) device 88 asdescribed in FIG. 7 and/or FIG. 8.

In these particular embodiments, the pMERT as shown in FIGS. 7-9contains a single EEG lead (i.e. electrode) which is to be placed at thetop of the subject's head. Alternatively, mutliple EEG electrodes may beused in recording and/or monitoring the subject's brain waves at leastone of before, during, and after the therapy is applied to the subject.The subject or nurse can prepare the EEG leads (and/or electrodes) withan electrolytic gel beforehand to lower the impedance. The referenceelectrode can be placed on the subject's ear. In some embodiments, thereading from a reference EEG electrode is subtracted and/or otherwiseremoved from the reading from the second EEG electrode.

When therapy is needed, the subject or nurse can follow the instructionson the display, which will provide a walkthrough of the EEG electrodepreparation. Once complete and the patient is situated in the device,the EEG is checked by the pMERT to ensure that the electrode is placedcorrectly. If not, an audible tone or instruction is given to allow thepatient to resituate himself/herself until proper contact is made.

Once contact is made, the patient lies still with eyes closed while thepMERT (NEST) acquires a representative EEG sample. The EEG data isanalyzed and, depending on the therapy to be delivered, the magnet ormagnets are rotated at the appropriate speed. The patient does not feelanything during the procedure, except for a diminution of the symptomsof the disorder, and perhaps a feeling of calm. During therapy, thedevice may sample the EEG data either by subtracting out the influenceof the magnet or by temporarily halting the magnet while the EEG data issampled. The display is used to show time remaining and any othernecessary status information for the device. After the therapy time, themagnet stops and a second EEG is taken, to be compared to the first EEG.Upon completion of the second EEG acquisition, an audible signal isgiven to indicate end of therapy.

Example 5 Purchasing Dosage Quotas and Report Generation

The methods and devices described are intended to be used bypsychiatrists/therapists to treat patients with mental disorders.Psychiatrists who take advantage of this therapy can register accountswith a vendor of the devices described and be given a username andpassword. When a psychiatrist sees a patient with a disorder and thepsychiatrist feels that the patient could benefit from the methods ordevices described herein, the psychiatrist either orders a device orselects one that has been pre-purchased.

The psychiatrist (or administrative assistant) can plug a pMERT (NEST)device into a USB port on a PC connected to an internet. Using webaccess and their username/password, the psychiatrist can login to theNeoSync website. The pMERT (NEST) will be automatically detected by theNeoSync website, and any necessary software upgrades will be downloaded.

The psychiatrist can then order a number of dosage quotas for aparticular disorder from the website, such as 15 20-minute therapytreatment, one per day, to treat depression. An encrypted key will bedownloaded to the pMERT (NEST), which will be set to allow the dosagequotas requested by the psychiatrist. Once this occurs, the psychiatristwill automatically be billed based on the number and type of dosagequotas. The psychiatrist will then bill the patient (or eventually thepatient's insurance) for the procedure. The patient can take the pMERT(NEST) device to his/her home to use the device in accordance with thetherapy prescribed by the psychiatrist or the patient can be treated inthe psychiatrist's office.

Once the patient has used up all the dosage quotas the psychiatrist hasloaded onto the device, the patient returns to the psychiatrist with thepMERT (NEST) device. The psychiatrist will connect the pMERT (NEST)device to the PC via a USB cable and will login to the NeoSync websiteas before. The website will detect the pMERT (NEST) and will upload alltreatment information. A report can be generated with this information,giving the psychiatrist a quantitative indication of progress. Thereport can include for each treatment the date, start time, end time,initial EEG alpha parameters (i.e., power and Q-factor), and the finalEEG alpha parameters. The psychiatrist can print the report or save itto a file to be placed in the patient's record. At this point, thepsychiatrist can clear the memory of the device and use it for anotherpatient or he/she can order more dosage quotas for the current patient.

If the psychiatrist decides that the patient should use the pMERT (NEST)for a longer period, the psychiatrist can set up an account for thepatient with NeoSync, Inc. This way, the patient is able to order moredosage quotas without returning to the psychiatrist. Only the dosagequotas approved by the psychiatrist will be allowed for the patient toorder. The patient can pay NeoSync directly with a credit card or(eventually) insurance. For each session, the psychiatrist may also bepaid. The psychiatrist would have access to all reports uploaded fromthe pMERT (NEST) via the website.

Example 6

Each patient admitted to the study is randomly assigned into one of thetwo study groups based on treatment using a plugged pMERT (NEST) deviceand sham, where a pMERT (NEST) device rotates a non-magnetic metal blockinstead of a magnet. Patients are kept blind to the treatment condition.Each treatment consists of 22 daily sessions during a 30-day period(and/or at least 10 sessions during a 2 week period or more). Patients'current antipsychotic treatments are kept unchanged during the study.

EEG data during treatments are recorded and individualized according tothe alpha EEG intrinsic frequency (8-13 Hz). The precision of thestimulus rate can be refined to the level of 10% of a hertz. It isdetermined on each patient's average alpha frequency, obtained from 3central EEG leads (C3, C4, and Cz).

EEG data during treatments are recorded from each subject in a supineposition with their eyes closed throughout the testing period. NineteenEEG electrodes (Ag—Ag Cl) are used according to the International 10-20system and referenced to linked mastoids. Electrooculograms (EOGs) fromthe outer canthus of both eyes are recorded simultaneously to monitoreye movements. At least two minutes of EEG epochs are collected anddigitized by a 12-bit A/D (analog/digital) converter at the rate of 200Hz by a Cadwell EZ II acquisition system. Sixty seconds of artifact freeepochs are utilized for fast Fourier transformations (FFT). FFT windowis set at 512 data points with 80% overlap.

Severity of psychosis, depression, and movement disorders are assessedwith the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD), PANSS, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), BarnesAkathisia Rating Scale (BARS), and Simpson-Angus Scale (SAS),respectively. All rating scales and EEGs are administered at screening,baseline (immediately prior to first treatment), immediately followingthe fifth and tenth treatments.

While the technician administering the pMERT (NEST) device cannot beblinded, the evaluating physicians and EEG technicians remain unaware ofthe type of treatment throughout the duration of study. A prioricategorical definition for clinical response is >30% baseline-to-posttreatment reduction at the end of treatment on PANSS negative symptomsubscale. Patients with a baseline and at least 1 additional set ofcompleted assessments (at least 5 treatment sessions) are included inthe analysis of mean treatment effect. Efficacy in clinical ratings isevaluated by using analyses of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measureover time. The models include 2 between-subject factors of treatment andlocation, and 1 within-subject factors of time. Effect of concomitantantipsychotic treatment can be tested based on the categorization oftypical and atypical neuroleptic medications. Grouping differences ofall other measures are tested individually using the same statisticalmodel. Using a predefined response criterion, a contingent tableanalysis can be used to test the group difference in responding rate.

Raw EEG data are edited offline by an experienced technician who isblind to the treatment conditions to eliminate any significant (≧3_arc)eye movements or any other type of apparent artifact. Ten to twenty-fourartifact-free epochs (1,024 data points per epoch) in each recordingchannel are calculated by a fast Fourier transform (FFT) routine toproduce a power spectrum with 0.2 Hz frequency resolution. The intrinsicfrequency of alpha EEG is defined as the mean peak frequency (Fp) of 3central leads (C3, C4, and Cz). EEG variables used in the analysisincluded power density (Pwr), peak frequency (Fp), Fp longitudinalcoherence, and frequency selectivity (Q). See Jin Y et al. Alpha EEGpredicts visual reaction time. Int J. Neurosci. 116: 1035-44 (2006),which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Coherence analysis is carried out between Fz and Pz in the peak alphafrequency. Recording from Cz is chosen to calculate the Q-factor (peakfreq/half-power bandwidth), a measure of the alpha frequencyselectivity. It is measured in the frequency domain by using a 60 secartifact free EEG epoch and a 2,048 data point FFT with a 10-pointsmooth procedure. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) across allchannels for each variable is performed to test the treatment andstimulus location effects. Change score for each variable before andafter pMERT (NEST) treatment is used to correlate with the change scoreof each clinical measure from the same time points.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the Q-factor as used in this invention. Thefigure shows a sample graph of the frequency distribution of the energyof an EEG signal. It can be seen that a frequency range, Δf can bedefined as the frequency bandwidth for which the energy is aboveone-half the peak energy. The frequency f₀ is defined as the intrinsicfrequency in the specified band. The Q-factor is defined as the ratio off₀/Δf. As can be seen, when ΔF decreases for a given f₀, the Q-factorwill increase. This can occur when the peak energy E_(max) of the signalincreases or when the bandwidth of the EEG signal decreases.

Example 7 Effect of NEST Device Lowering Blood Pressure

An effect of use of a NEST (i.e. pMERT) device using a method providedherein was shown to lower blood pressure in a female patient. Thepatient, originally using a NEST to treat anxiety, complained of amoderate tension headache and her blood pressure was taken, and read at110/90 mmHg. A NEST device was set at a fixed specified frequency equalto an intrinsic frequency within her alpha EEG band and the magneticfield emanating from the device was applied to the patient's head(cerebral cortex). During treatment using the NEST device, threeconsecutive blood pressure measurements were taken at ten minuteintervals, showing 110/85 mmHg, 100/82 mmHg, and 100/70 mmHg,respectively. An hour after treatment with the NEST device had ceased,the patient's tension headache returned, and her blood pressure wasmeasured, reading 110/90 mmHg.

Example 8

In particular embodiments, a single cylindrical magnet that isdiametrically magnetized (pole on the left and right sides of thecylinder) spins about the cylinder axis. The magnet can be placedanywhere around the patient's head, and locations can be chosen based onthe desire for a more focal therapy at a particular location.Alternative embodiments can include stringing two or more cylindricalmagnets together on the same shaft, or along different shafts, to spinthe magnets in unison to create a particular magnetic field in treatingthe patient. A non-limiting examples of this are found in FIGS. 13through 15.

FIG. 13 shows an example embodiment of a diametrically magnetizedcylindrical magnet 2 for use in a NEST device. FIG. 14 shows an exampleembodiment of a NEST device applied to a subject 1406, the device havinga diametrically magnetized cylindrical magnet 1402 and a drive shaft1404 that rotates the magnet 1402 about its cylinder axis, wherein thecylinder axis coincides with rotation axis 1438. FIG. 15 shows anexample embodiment of a NEST device applied to a subject 1506, thedevice having two diametrically magnetized cylindrical magnets 1502 a,1502 b and a drive shaft 1404 that simultaneously rotates the magnets1502 a, 1502 b about their cylinder axes, wherein the cylinder axes arecoincident with each other and with rotation axis. In this exampleembodiment device, the north pole of magnet 1502 a and the north pole ofmagnet 1502 b are aligned to provide a more uniform magnetic field tothe subject 1506.

Example 9

In particular embodiments, multiple cylindrical magnets can be arrayedabove a patient's head so they spin in unison. These may be connected toeach other by belts or gears so that they are driven by at least onemotor. Non-limiting examples of these embodiments are shown in FIGS. 16through 21.

FIG. 16 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device having threediametrically magnetized cylindrical magnets 1602 a, 1602 b, 1602 crotating about their cylinder axes and applied to a subject 1606. Thepoles of each the magnets 1602 a, 1602 b, 1602 c of the shown device arealigned generally to provide a peak magnetic field to the subject 1606that is coincident with the peak magnetic fields delivered to thesubject 1606 from each of the other magnets 1602 a, 1602 b, 1602 c.Another way of saying this is that each of the magnets 1602 a, 1602 b,1602 c has a neutral plane indicated by the dotted line on each ofmagnets 1602 a, 1602 b, and 1602 c, and each the neutral planes isaligned to be generally parallel to the scalp of the subject 1606. Thisconfiguration provides a more uniform field to the subject 1606 than ifthe magnets 1602 a, 1602 b, 1602 c are not aligned in such a manner.

FIG. 17 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device 1788 having threediametrically magnetized cylindrical magnets 1702 a, 1702 b, 1702 cconfigured to rotate about their cylinder axes (not shown). Each of themagnets 1702 a, 1702 b, 1702 c of this example embodiment is coupled toat least one magnet drive pulley 1716 a, 1716 b, 1716 c, 1716 d. Each ofthe magnet drive pulleys 1716 a, 1716 b, 1716 c, 1716 d has at least onedrive belt 1718 a, 1718 b, 1718 c, 1718 d wrapped at least partiallyabout it. The device 1788 also comprises two tensioner assemblies 1708a, 1708 b, each comprising a tensioner block 1710 a, 1710 b, a tensionerarm 1712 a, 1712 b, and at least one tensioner drive pulley 1714 a, 1714b, 1714 c each rotating about an axis going through the tensioner arm1712 a, 1712 b, respectively, the axis generally being parallel to therotation axis of the magnets and to the drive shaft 1704 of the device1788. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, each of the tensionerassemblies has two tensioner drive pulleys 1714 a, 1714 b, 1714 c, (onetensioner drive pulley of tensioner assembly 1708 is not shown in FIG.17—obscured by the side support 1722, but can be seen, for example, inFIG. 18). The drive belts 1718 a, 1718 b, 1718 c, 1718 d are each alsowrapped at least partially about at least one tensioner drive pulley1714 a, 1714 b, 1714 c, (one tensioner drive pulley of tensionerassembly 1708 is not shown in FIG. 17—obscured by the side support1722), such that each the drive belts 1718 a, 1718 b, 1718 c, 1718 d iswrapped at least partially around at least one of the magnet drivepulleys 1716 a, 1716 b, 1716 c, 1716 d and is also wrapped at leastpartially around at least one of the tensioner drive pulleys 1714 a,1714 b, 1714 c, (one tensioner drive pulley of tensioner assembly 1708is not shown in FIG. 17—obscured by the side support 1722, but can beseen, for example, in FIG. 18) of the tensioner subassemblys 1708 a,1708 b.

The device 1788 shown in FIG. 17 is held together by two side supports1722, 1720 connected by a support column 1724 a. In some embodiments, asecond support column 1724 b, a third support column (not shown) mayalso connect the side supports 1722, 1720. Each of the tensionerassemblies 1708 a, 1708 b and each of the magnets 1702 a, 1702 b, 1702 care mounted to (coupled to) at least one of these supports, if not boththe side supports 1722, 1720. Each of the magnets 1702 a, 1702 b, 1702 care rotatably mounted to at least one of the side supports 1722, 1720,such that each of the magnets 1702 a, 1702 b, 1702 c can rotate abouttheir rotation axes (cylinder axes) without motion of either of the sidesupports 1722, 1720. Likewise, at least the tensioner drive pulleys 1714a, 1714 b, 1714 c, (and one tensioner drive pulley unshown in FIG. 17)of the tensioner assemblies 1708 a, 1708 b are rotatably mounted(coupled) to at least one of the side supports 1722, 1720, such thateach of the tensioner drive pulleys 1714 a, 1714 b, 1714 c, (and onetensioner drive pulley unshown in FIG. 17) can rotate about theirrotation axes (not shown) without motion of the side supports 1722,1720.

For example, drive belt 1718 a wraps at least partially around themagnet drive pulley 1716 a of magnet 1702 a, and also wraps at leastpartially around the tensioner drive pulley 1714 a of the firsttensioner assembly 1708 a. The drive shaft 1704, coupled to a motor (notshown), drives the rotation of all of the magnets 1702 a, 1702 b, 1702 cof the shown device 1788. The drive shaft 1704 is coupled to a firstmagnet 1702 a which, through its magnet drive pulley 1716 a andassociated belt 1718 a turns the first tensioner drive pulley 1714 a ofthe first tensioner assembly 1708 a. The first tesnioner drive pulley1714 a of the first tensioner assembly 1708 a is coupled to the secondtensioner pulley (not shown-obscured by side support 1722) of the firsttensioner assembly 1708 a, and, thus, when the first tensioner pulley1714 a is turned by the first drive belt 1718 a, the second tensionerpulley (not shown) is also turned. Since the second drive belt 1718 b iswrapped at least partially around the second tensioner pulley (notshown) as well as the second magnet drive pulley 1716 b of the secondmagnet 1702 b, the motion of the second tensioner pulley (not shown)moves the second drive belt 1718 b and likewise drives the rotation ofthe second magnet 1702 b. The second magnet 1702 has a third magnetdrive pulley 1716 c which is coupled to the second drive pulley 1716 b,and the third drive belt 1718 c wraps at least partially around thethird magnet drive pulley 1716 c, thus, motion of the second drive belt1718 b also causes motion of the third drive belt 1718 c wrapped atleast partially around the third magnet drive pulley 1716 c. The motionof the third drive belt 1718 c, also wrapped at least partially aroundthe third tensioner pulley 1714 b of the second tensioner assembly 1708b thus drives the rotation of the fourth tensioner pulley 1714 c of thesecond tensioner assembly 1708 b which is coupled to the third tensionerpulley 1714 b of the second tensioner assembly 1708 b. Furthermore,since the fourth drive belt 1718 d is wrapped at least partially aroundthe fourth tensioner pulley 1714 c of the second tensioner assembly 1708b, and is also wrapped at least partially around the fourth magnetpulley 1716 d of the third magnet 1702 c, the motion of the fourth drivebelt 1718 d drives the rotation of the third magnet 1702 csimultaneously with the rotation of the other two magnets 1702 a, 1702b.

In an alternative embodiment, the tensioner assemblies are not present,and the drive shaft drives the magnets connected only to each otherusing drive belts. In an alternative embodiment, only one tensionerassembly is present and is coupled to at least two magnets. In analternative embodiment, only one tensioner assembly is present and iscoupled to each of the magnets. In an alternative embodiment, themagnets are coupled to each other by gears. In an alternativeembodiment, the magnets are coupled to each other by a combination of atleast one gear and at least one belt. In an alternative embodiment, themagnets are coupled to each other by a combination of at least one gearand at least two belts, wherein each belt is coupled to a tensionerassembly as generally described herein. In an alternative embodiment,the magnets are coupled to each other by a rotation means, wherein therotation means is configured to drive the rotation of the magnetssimultaneously.

The tensioner assemblies in the embodiments shown in FIG. 17, FIG. 18,and FIG. 19, for non-limiting example, are configured to keep the drivebelts taut during use and, therefore, ensure that the rotation of themagnets is simultaneous and generally in-phase as applied to the subjectwhere the magnets are aligned such that each of the neutral planes ofeach of the three magnets are generally aligned to be parallel to thescalp of the subject.

FIG. 18 depicts an exploded view of the example embodiment of the NESTdevice 1888 of FIG. 17 having three diametrically magnetized cylindricalmagnets configured to rotate about their cylinder axes. Shown in FIG. 18is a NEST device 1888 having two tensioner assemblies 1808 a, 1808 b.Tensioner assembly 1808 a comprises a tensioner block 1810 a thatcouples to the side support 1822 by at least one tensioner dowel pin1832 a. The tensioner block 1810 a also couples to the side support 1820by at least one tensioner dowel pin 1832 b. The tensioner block 1810 afloats freely along at least a portion of the dowel pins 1832 a, 1832 b.The tensioner block 1810 a is attached to a tensioner arm 1812 a whichhas two tensioner drive pulleys 1814 a, 1814 d, which couple to drivebelts 1818 a, 1818 b (respectively) which themselves are coupled tomagnets 1802 a, 1802 b (respectively) of the device 1888 through magnetdrive pulleys 1816 a, 1816 b. The tensioner block 1810 a exerts a forceon the belts 1818 a, 1818 b to keep the belts taut during use, since thetensioner block 1810 a is also coupled to tensioner springs 1830 a, 1830b which push the tensioner block 1810 a away from the side supports1822, 1820, and thus, away from the magnet drive pulleys 1816 a, 1816 bcoupled to the side supports 1822, 1820 by center pins (not shown) thatrun through each of the drive pulleys 1816 a, 1816 b and the magnets1802 a, 1802 b. When the center pin is also attached to a motor, it mayalso rotate the magnet and its associated magnet drive pulley(s), and itmay be called a drive shaft. Nevertheless, the magnet drive pulleys 1816a, 1816 b can rotate, and with their rotational movement the magnetdrive pulleys 1816 a, 1816 b can rotate, or be rotated by, the magnets1802 a, 1802 b.

Likewise, tensioner assembly 1808 b comprises a tensioner block 1810 bthat couples to the side support 1822 by at least one tensioner dowelpin 1832 c. The tensioner block 1810 b also couples to the side support1820 by at least one tensioner dowel pin 1832 c. The tensioner block1810 b floats freely along at least a portion of the dowel pins 1832 c,1832 d. The tensioner block 1810 b is attached to a tensioner arm 1812 bwhich has two tensioner drive pulleys 1814 b, 1814 c, which couple todrive belts 1818 d, 1818 c (not shown) (respectively) which themselvesare coupled to magnets 1802 b, 1802 c(respectively) of the device 1888through the magnet drive pulleys 1816 c, 1816 d. The tensioner block1810 b exerts a force on the belts 1818 d, 1818 c (not shown) to keepthe belts taut during use, since the tensioner block 1810 b is alsocoupled to tensioner springs 1830 c, 1830 d which push the tensionerblock 1810 b away from the side supports 1822, 1820, and thus, away fromthe magnet drive pulleys 1816 c, 1816 d coupled to the side supports1822, 1820 by center pins (not shown) that run through each of the drivepulleys 1816 c, 1816 d and the magnets 1802 b, 1802 c. When the centerpin is also attached to a motor, it may also rotate the magnet(s) andits associated magnet drive pulley(s), and it may be called a driveshaft. Nevertheless, the magnet drive pulleys 1816 c, 1816 d can rotate,and with their rotational movement the magnet drive pulleys 1816 c, 1816d can rotate, or be rotated by, the magnets 1802 b, 1802 c.

Also shown in FIG. 18 are support screws 1826 a, 1826 b which attach thesupport columns 1824 b (other support columns are either not called-outor not shown in FIG. 18) to the side support 1822 and/or to the sidesupport 1820.

FIG. 19 shows the example NEST device embodiment of FIG. 17 and/or ofFIG. 18 having three diametrically magnetized cylindrical magnets 1902a, 1902 b, 1902 c configured to rotate about their cylinder axes andincluding a frame 1934 and base 1936 for mounting the NEST device. Theembodiment shown in FIG. 19 includes a NEST device having three magnets1902 a, 1902 b, 1902 c, each having magnet drive pulleys 1916 a, 1916 b,1916 c, 1916 d at least partially about which is wrapped a drive belt1918 a, 1918 b, 1918 c, 1918 d each of which is also at least partiallywrapped around a tensioner drive pulley 1914 a, 1914 b (not shown) 1914c (not shown) 1914 d (not shown) coupled to a tensioner arm 1912 a, 1912b (not shown) of a tensioner assembly. Each tensioner assembly mayinclude a tensioner block 1910 a (not shown) 1910 b, and a tensionerspring 1930 a (not shown), 1930 c which cooperate with at least one ofthe side supports 1922, 1920 to pull the drive belts 1918 a, 1918 b,1918 c, 1918 d taut. The magnets 1902 a, 1902 b, 1902 c are rotatablycoupled to side supports 1922, 1920, and at least one magnet 1902 a inthe embodiment shown is coupled to a drive shaft 1904 which rotates themagnet 1902 a to which it is directly coupled, and through thecooperation of the magnet drive pulleys 1916 a, 1916 b, 1916 c, 1916 d,drive belts 1918 a, 1918 b, 1918 c, 1918 d, and tensioner drive pulleys914 a, 1914 b (not shown) 1914 c (not shown) 1914 d (not shown), alsorotates the other magnets 1902 b, 1902 c of the NEST device such thatall of the magnets 1902 a, 1902 b, 1902 c rotate simultaneously.

FIG. 20 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device having eightdiametrically magnetized cylindrical magnets 2002 a-2002 h, configuredto rotate about their cylinder axes. Each of the magnets 2002 a-2002 hhas at least one magnet drive pulley 2016 a-2016 n coupled to it whichrotates the magnet 2002 a-2002 h when the magnet drive pulley 2016a-2016 n is rotated by a belt 2018 a-2018 h that is at least partiallywrapped around at least one of the magnet drive pulleys 2016 a-2016 n.In the embodiment shown, a drive shaft 2004 has two drive belts 2018 d,2018 e wrapped at least partially around the drive shaft 2004. The driveshaft 2004 thus rotates all of the magnets 2002 a-2002 h simultaneouslythrough a series of drive belts 2018 a-2018 h and magnet drive pulleys2016 a-2016 n all coupled to the drive shaft 2004.

For example, the first drive belt 2018 e is wrapped at least partiallyaround the drive shaft 2004, and is also wrapped at least partiallyaround a first magnet drive pulley 2016 h of a first magnet 2002 e. Asecond drive belt 2018 f is wrapped at least partially around a secondmagnet drive pulley 2016 i of the first magnet 2002 e. The second drivebelt 2018 f is also wrapped at least partially around a third magnetdrive pulley 2016 j of the second magnet 2002 f. A third drive belt 2018g is wrapped at least partially around a fourth magnet drive pulley 2016k of the second magnet 2002 f. The third drive belt 2018 g is alsowrapped at least partially around a fifth magnet drive pulley 2016 l ofa third magnet 2002 g. A fourth drive belt 2018 h is wrapped at leastpartially around a sixth magnet drive pulley 2016 m of the third magnet2002 g. The fourth drive belt 2018 h is also wrapped at least partiallyaround a seventh magnet drive pulley 2016 n of a fourth magnet 2002 h.As arranged, therefore, the motion of the first drive belt 2018 ecoupled to the drive shaft 2004 rotates the first magnet 2002 e, thesecond magnet 2002 f, the third magnet 2002 g, and the fourth magnet2002 h simultaneously.

Similarly, the fifth drive belt 2018 d is wrapped at least partiallyaround the drive shaft 2004, and is also wrapped at least partiallyaround an eighth magnet drive pulley 2016 g of a fifth magnet 2002 d. Asixth drive belt 2018 c is wrapped at least partially around a ninthmagnet drive pulley 2016 f of the fifth magnet 2002 d. The sixth drivebelt 2018 c is also wrapped at least partially around a tenth magnetdrive pulley 2016 e of the sixth magnet 2002 c. A seventh drive belt2018 b is wrapped at least partially around an eleventh magnet drivepulley 2016 d of the sixth magnet 2002 c. The seventh drive belt 2018 bis also wrapped at least partially around a twelfth magnet drive pulley2016 c of a seventh magnet 2002 b. An eighth drive belt 2018 a iswrapped at least partially around a thirteenth magnet drive pulley 2016b of the seventh magnet 2002 b. The eighth drive belt 2018 a is alsowrapped at least partially around a fourteenth magnet drive pulley 2016a of an eighth magnet 2002 a. As arranged, therefore, the motion of thefifth drive belt 2018 d coupled to the drive shaft 2004 rotates thefifth magnet 2002 d, the sixth magnet 2002 c, the seventh magnet 2002 b,and the eighth magnet 2002 a simultaneously. In an alternativeembodiment, the drive shaft has only one drive belt that drives all ofthe rotation of all of the magnets. Also shown in FIG. 20 are the sidesupports 2022, 2020 connected by at least two support columns 2024 a,2024 b. The supports 2020, 2022 hold each of the magnets 2002 a-2002 hin place relative to the supports 2020, 2022 while allowing rotationalmotion of the magnets 2002 a-2002 h and of the drive shaft 2004 whichmay be driven, for non-limiting example, by a motor (not shown).

FIG. 21 shows the magnet rotation of the example NEST device embodimentof FIG. 20 having eight diametrically magnetized cylindrical magnets2102 a-2102 h configured to rotate about their cylinder axes. FIG. 21shows a side view of an embodiment of a NEST device (not showing, forexample, side supports), which is similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 20. In this embodiment, each of the magnets 2102 a-2102 h has atleast two drive belts (for example, drive belts 2118 a-2118 h) coupledto it which rotate the magnet 2102 a-2102 h, or which are rotated by themagnet 2102 a-2102 h, when the drive shaft 2104 is rotated. In theembodiment shown, two drive belts 2118 d, 2118 e are wrapped at leastpartially around the drive shaft 2104. The drive shaft 2104 thus rotatesall of the magnets 2102 a-2102 h simultaneously through a series ofdrive belts 2118 a-2118 h all coupled to the drive shaft 2104. Shown inthis embodiment is an example of the direction of rotation of themagnets 2102 a-2102 h (indicated by arrows) resulting from a clockwiserotation of the drive shaft 2104. An opposite direction of movement isachieved when the drive shaft is rotated in a counter-clockwisedirection. In the embodiment shown, the clockwise rotation of the driveshaft 2104 rotates all of the magnets 2102 a-2102 h in a clockwisedirection due to the belt 2118 a-2118 h arrangement shown. Each of thebelts 2118 a-2118 h shown is wrapped either around two magnets or arounda magnet and the drive shaft.

Example 10

In particular embodiments, a disc shaped magnet that is axiallymagnetized (the poles are on the top and bottom faces) can be cut inhalf, one half turned over (aligning N of one half with S of the otherhalf) and placed together. This disc can be spun about the center of thedisc to get a magnetic field that is uniform over a large area. In asimilar embodiment, two rectangular magnets having poles aligned andpositioned similarly to the disc as previously described can be spunabout the center of the rectangular magnets to create a similarlyuniform field. An example of the disc magnet is shown in FIG. 22, and anexample of the rectangular magnet similar to the disc magnet is shown inFIG. 23.

FIG. 22 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device having two discmagnets 2202 a, 2202 b that rotate about a common rotation axis 2236.The device comprises two disc shaped magnets 2202 a, 2202 b that areaxially magnetized (the poles are on the top and bottom faces). Thenorth pole of the first magnet 2202 a aligns with the south pole of thesecond magnet 2202 b (aligning their neutral planes). The device furthercomprises a drive shaft 2204 that aligns with the center of the discmagnets 2202 a, 2202 b and with, therefore, the rotation axis 2236 ofthe magnets 2202 a, 2202 b.

FIG. 23 shows an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an exampleNEST device embodiment similar to that of FIG. 22 having two rectangularmagnets 2302 a, 2302 b that rotate around a common rotation axis 2336.The device comprises two rectangular magnets 2302 a, 2302 b that aremagnetized such that the north pole of the first magnet 2302 a facesaway from the drive shaft 2304, and the south pole of the first magnet2302 a faces the drive shaft 2304, and the north pole of the secondmagnet 2302 b faces the drive shaft 2304 while the south pole of thesecond magnet 2302 b faces away from the drive shaft 2304. The poles ofeach of the magnets 2302 a, 2302 b, thus, face the top cover 2352 andthe bottom cover 2350 of the device, but the magnets 2302 a, 2302 b,have opposite polarity. In the embodiment shown, the first magnet 2302 ais held in place in the device by a first magnet holder 2344 a havingtwo pieces that are connected by a magnet holder cap screw 2342 and amagnet holder dowel pin 2340. The first magnet 2302 a is placed betweenand at least partially within the pieces of the first holder 2344 a.Likewise, the second magnet 2302 b is held in place in the device by asecond magnet holder 2344 b having two pieces that are connected by amagnet holder cap screw (not shown) and a magnet holder dowel pin (notshown). The second magnet 2302 b is placed between and at leastpartially within the pieces of the second holder 2344 b. The two holders2344 a, 2344 b are coupled together, and may have a center beam 2348that holds the first and second holders 2344 a, 2344 b together. Theholders 2344 a, 2344 b may also be held together additionally oralternatively by adhesive 2346. The drive shaft 2304 is coupled to theholders 2344 a, 2344 b, in the embodiment shown, by attaching to thecenter beam 2348, which thus couples the magnets 2302 a, 2302 b to thedrive shaft 2304 such that rotation of the drive shaft 2304 likewisespins the magnets 2302 a, 2302 b within the holders 2344 a, 2344 b aboutthe rotation axis 2336. The drive shaft 2304 may alternatively and/oradditionally be coupled to the holders 2344 a, 2344 b and to the centerbeam 2348 by adhesive 2346. The magnets 2302 a, 2302 b encased in theholders 2344 a, 2344 b are additionally housed within a top cover 2352and a bottom cover 2350. The covers 2350, 2352 are connected to oneanother by at least one cover cap screw 2354. The drive shaft 2304 fitsthrough at a hole 2356 in at least one of the covers, for example, thebottom cover 2350. Where the cover 2350 is disc-shaped, as shown in FIG.23, the hole 2356 is located the center of the disc cover 2350, and thehole 2356 is configured such that the drive shaft 2304 may rotate freelywithin the hole 2304, for example, with aid of a bearing which allowsdrive shaft rotation (and, thus, magnet rotation) relative to the covers2350, 2352.

Example 11

FIG. 24 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device similar to theembodiments depicted in FIGS. 22 and/or 23 having two magnets 2402 a,2402 b rotating about a common rotation axis applied to a subject 2406and showing the controller subunit 2458 coupled to a drive shaft 2404that rotates the magnets 2402 a, 2402 b. The controller subunit 2458 maycontain a motor (not shown) that cooperates with the drive shaft 2404 torotate the magnets 2402 a, 2402 b.

FIG. 25 shows block diagram of an example embodiment of a NEST deviceshowing example elements of the NEST device and of its controllersubunit. For example the embodiment shown depicts a magnet 2502 that ismounted by a frame 2534 to a base 2536. This allows the magnet 2502 tobe held stationary as the device treats a subject whose head may bepositioned near to the magnet 2502 (within the magnetic field producedby the magnet 2502). The magnet 2502 is coupled to the controllersubunit 2558 by a drive shaft 2504. The drive shaft 2504 may couple to amotor 2572 of the controller subunit 2558 by a coupling 2578. Thecoupling may allow for various magnet arrangements to be interchanged bymerely decoupling the drive shaft from the controller subunit andcoupling a device having another arrangement of magnets (such as, forexample, those described herein). The magnet 2502 may be controlled bythe controller subunit 2558 through the motor 2572 that may be driven bya motor driver 2574. The motor driver 2574 may be coupled (directly orindirectly) to a power supply 2576. The motor driver 2574, which cancontrol, for non-limiting example, the speed, direction, acceleration,etc, of the magnet 2502 through the drive shaft 2504, can be directedand/or monitored by controls such as, for example, a device speedcontrol 2560, an on/off control 2562, a display 2564, arandom/continuous control 2566, and a high/low control 2568. A user canadjust each of these controls, which are coupled to a processor circuitboard 2570 and thus coupled to the motor driver 2574.

Alternatively, and/or additionally, the drive shaft 2504 and/or themagnet(s) may be controlled automatically based on a prescribedtreatment (time of treatment, frequency of magnet rotation, etc) that isdownloaded and/or programmed into the processor circuit board 2570 froma source external or internal to the controller subunit, as previouslydescribed herein. Treatments received may be stored by the controllersubunit. Additionally and/or alternatively, where EEG electrodes arealso present in the device and are capable of measuring the subject'sbrain waves, the device may adjust the treatment automatically by abiofeedback system. Additionally and/or alternatively, where EEGelectrodes are present in the device and are capable of measuring thesubject's brain waves, the treatment may be chosen based on the readingsof the subject's brain waves prior to the treatment. Additionally and/oralternatively, where EEG electrodes are present in the device and arecapable of measuring the subject's brain waves, the treatment may bechosen automatically by the device based on the readings of thesubject's brain waves prior to the treatment and based on a set of rulesstored in the controller subunit. Additionally and/or alternatively,where EEG electrodes are present in the device and are capable ofmeasuring the subject's brain waves, the controller subunit is capableof storing the output of the EEG electrodes prior to, during, and/orafter treatment with the NEST device. Additionally and/or alternatively,where EEG electrodes are present in the device and are capable ofmeasuring the subject's brain waves, the controller subunit is capableof transmitting the output of the EEG electrodes prior to, during,and/or after treatment with the NEST device. This transmitting may bereal-time (during measurement), or after storage of the EEG electrodeoutputs and during an upload or download from the NEST device.

Example 12 Effect of a Device Lowering Blood Pressure

An effect of use of a modified rTMS device according to the methods anddevice descriptions provided herein was shown to reduce the symptoms offibromyalgia. The patient complained of chronic widespread pain andtenderness to light touch, and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The NESTdevice was used to tune an intrinsic frequency (of the patient's alphawave). Following treatment, the patient reported a reduction of thesymptoms of fibromyalgia.

Example 13

FIG. 26 shows an example embodiment of a NEST device having a single barmagnet 2602 that moves linearly along its north-south axis 2639 onceeach time the supporting ring (or annulus) 2619 is rotated (rotationshown by arrows in FIG. 26), providing a pulse-type alternating magneticfield at the frequency of rotation. In this embodiment, a magnet 2602 issecured against a rotating ring (or annulus) 2619 with a spring 2628,where the ring 2619 has one or more detents 2629. The subject 2606 isshown below the ring 2619 in FIG. 26. When the ring 2619 is rotated, asshown with the arrows in FIG. 26, the magnet 2602 will be thrust intoeach detent 2629 once per rotation. As the ring 2619 continues torotate, the magnet 2602 will move back to its original position. Thisperiodic thrust may generate a more unipolar pulsatile magnetic fieldthan that generated by a rotating magnet. The width and amplitude of themagnetic pulse depends on the mass and strength of the magnet, as wellas the strength of the spring, and the depth of the detent.

In alternative embodiments to that shown in FIG. 26, there could bemultiple detents in the ring. The ring could be non-circular. The magnetcould rotate around the ring, while the ring is stationary. There couldbe multiple magnets and a single detent. There could be multiple magnetsand multiple detents. Instead of a detent, the magnet or magnets couldencounter a ridge, or multiple ridges. The magnet or magnets couldencounter slopes, rather than sharp detents or ridges. The magnet couldbe positioned such that the north pole is closer to the treatment areathan the south pole, or such that the south pole is closer to thetreatment area than the north pole (such as is shown in FIG. 26). Insome embodiments, the number of detents is the same as the number ofmagnets of the device. In some embodiments, the number of detents is notthe same as the number of magnets of the device. In some embodiments,the number of detents is a multiple of the number of magnets of thedevice. In some embodiments, the number of detents is not a multiple ofthe number of magnets of the device.

In an alternative embodiments of the device, the magnet may flip (orrotate) about an axis between the north pole and south pole as a ringsimilar to that shown in FIG. 26 rotates. The magnet may be freelyrotatable about the axis between the north pole and south pole, and themagnet may be rotatable about a shaft. The shaft, in this embodiment, isnot coupled to a drive source. Rather, the ring itself may drive theflipping (rotating) of the magnet by capturing a first portion of themagnet in a first detent and moving that first portion as the ring movesuntil a second portion of the magnet is captured by second detent of thering which likewise moves the second portion of the magnet. In someembodiments, the first portion is associated with a first pole of themagnet, and the second portion is associated with a second pole of themagnet. In one embodiment, the first pole may be the north pole of themagnet and the second pole may be the south pole of the magnet. Inanother embodiment, the first pole may be the south pole of the magnetand the second pole may be the north pole of the magnet. A drive sourcemay drive the movement of the ring which, in turn, drives the rotationof the magnet. The drive source may be motor, for non-limiting example.

Example 14

FIGS. 31 and 32 show the results of a clinical trial utilizing the NESTdevice and methods for the treatment of depression as provided herein. Adevice was used such as shown in FIG. 19, with permanent magnetsarranged as shown in FIG. 16. In the method used in this trial, amagnetic field was adjusted to influence the Q-factor of an intrinsicfrequency of each subject within the alpha-band. The magnetic field wasapplied close to the head of the subject. EEG readings were taken beforetreatment began. A Cadwell Easy 2.1 EEG system was used to take a19-lead EEG reading. The intrinsic frequency in the alpha band (7-11 Hz)was determined using the initial EEG reading. Patients were placed inone of three groups: constant frequency, random frequency, or sham, withequal probability for each group. Patients received treatment everyweekday for 30 days. EEG readings were taken after treatment at least ona weekly basis. If the patient was in the “constant frequency” group,the NEST was set to rotate the magnets at the intrinsic frequency. Ifthe patient was in the “random frequency” group, the NEST was set torotate the magnets at random frequencies between 6 Hz and 12 Hz,changing frequencies once per second. If the patient was in the “SHAM”group, the magnets in the NEST were replaced with steel cylinders,thereby imparting no magnetic field to a head of the patient. Thepatients in this group were divided into two subgroups with equalprobability, with one group having the cylinders rotated at theintrinsic frequency and the other group having the cylinders rotated atrandom frequencies as noted above. For this clinical trial sixteen (16)subjects received treatment with the NEST device. Eleven (11) subjectsresponded to treatment (i.e. the Responders) and five (5) subjects didnot respond to treatment (i.e. Non-Responders). Eleven (11) patientsreceived treatment with the SHAM device.

FIG. 31 shows the percentage change in HAMD score in subjects beingtreated with the NEST device over the course of four (4) weeks. It isdivided between subjects who responded to treatment (i.e. Responders)and subjects who did not respond to treatment (i.e. Non-Responders).Responders were classified as such when their HAMD scores decreased by50% at least over the course of the four (4) weeks of treatment. Thefirst bar is the average baseline HAMD score. Each subsequent barrepresents the average HAMD score at the end of a week, weeks 1, 2, 3,and 4, left to right, respectively.

FIG. 32 shows the percentage change in HAMD score in subjects beingtreated with the NEST device versus the SHAM device over the course offour (4) weeks, as described in reference to FIG. 31 above. Baseline isnot represented on the graph—it should be assumed to be 0.00. The firstdata point represents the average change after one (1) week oftreatment. The second data point is the average change after two (2)weeks of treatment. The third data point is the average change afterthree (3) weeks of treatment. The fourth data point is the averagechange after four (4) weeks of treatment. The top line represents theaverage HAMD score for subjects treated with the NEST device, the bottomline represents the average HAMD score for subjects treated with theSHAM device.

Example 15

FIG. 33 shows the results of a clinical trial utilizing the NEST devicefor the treatment of anxiety. This trial involved two (2) patients(subjects). Both patients received treatment with the NEST device asshown in FIG. 19, with permanent magnets arranged as shown in FIG. 16.In the method used for these patients, a magnetic field was adjusted toinfluence the Q-factor of an intrinsic frequency of each subject withinthe alpha-band. The magnetic field was applied close to the head of thesubject. EEG readings were taken before treatment began. A Cadwell Easy2.1 EEG system was used to take a 19-lead EEG reading. The intrinsicfrequency in the alpha band (7-11 Hz) was determined using the initialEEG reading. Both patients were treated with a constant frequency,wherein for each patient the NEST was set to rotate the magnets at theintrinsic frequency detected for that patient. Patients receivedtreatment every weekday for 30 days. EEG readings were taken aftertreatment at least on a weekly basis. The first data point is thebaseline HAMA score. The second data point for each line represents theHAMA score after one (1) week of treatment for each patient. The thirddata point for each line represents the HAMA score after two (2) weeksof treatment for each patient. The fourth data point for each linerepresents the HAMA score after four (4) weeks of treatment for eachpatient.

The various functions or processes disclosed herein (such as, fornon-limiting example, logic that performs a function or process) may bedescribed as data and/or instructions embodied in variouscomputer-readable media, in terms of their behavioral, registertransfer, logic component, transistor, layout geometries, and/or othercharacteristics. The logic described herein may comprise, according tovarious embodiments of the invention, software, hardware, or acombination of software and hardware. The logic described herein maycomprise computer-readable media, Computer-readable media in which suchformatted data and/or instructions may be embodied include, but are notlimited to, non-volatile storage media in various forms (e.g., optical,magnetic or semiconductor storage media) and carrier waves that may beused to transfer such formatted data and/or instructions throughwireless, optical, or wired signaling media or any combination thereof.Examples of transfers of such formatted data and/or instructions bycarrier waves include, but are not limited to, transfers (uploads,downloads, e-mail, etc.) over the Internet and/or other computernetworks via one or more data transfer protocols (e.g., HTTP, FTP, SMTP,etc.). When received within a computer system via one or morecomputer-readable media, such data and/or instruction-based expressionsof components and/or processes under the ICS may be processed by aprocessing entity (e.g., one or more processors) within the computersystem in conjunction with execution of one or more other computerprograms.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including,but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number alsoinclude the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, thewords “herein,” “hereunder,” “above,” “below,” and words of similarimport refer to this application as a whole and not to any particularportions of this application. When the word “or” is used in reference toa list of two or more items, that word covers all of the followinginterpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of theitems in the list and any combination of the items in the list.

The above descriptions of illustrated embodiments of the system,methods, or devices are not intended to be exhaustive or to be limitedto the precise form disclosed. While specific embodiments of, andexamples for, the system, methods, or devices are described herein forillustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possiblewithin the scope of the system, methods, or devices, as those skilled inthe relevant art will recognize. The teachings of the system, methods,or devices provided herein can be applied to other processing systems,methods, or devices, not only for the systems, methods, or devicesdescribed.

The elements and acts of the various embodiments described can becombined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can bemade to the system in light of the above detailed description.

In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not beconstrued to limit the system, methods, or devices to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should beconstrued to include all processing systems that operate under theclaims. Accordingly, the system, methods, and devices are not limited bythe disclosure, but instead the scopes of the system, methods, ordevices are to be determined entirely by the claims.

While certain aspects of the system, methods, or devices are presentedbelow in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the variousaspects of the system, methods, or devices in any number of claim forms.For example, while only one aspect of the system, methods, or devices isrecited as embodied in machine-readable medium, other aspects maylikewise be embodied in machine-readable medium. Accordingly, theinventors reserve the right to add additional claims after filing theapplication to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects ofthe system, methods, or devices.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatsuch embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerousvariations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilledin the art without departing from the invention. It should be understoodthat various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention describedherein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended thatthe following claims define the scope of the invention and that methodsand structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents becovered thereby.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating depression in a subjecthaving an intrinsic frequency in a specified EEG band, comprising: (a)adjusting output of a magnetic field based on the subject's intrinsicfrequency; (b) applying said magnetic field close to a head of thesubject; and (c) moving the intrinsic frequency toward a pre-selectedintrinsic frequency within the specified EEG band.
 2. A method oftreating depression in a subject, comprising: (a) adjusting output of amagnetic field; (b) applying said magnetic field close to a head of thesubject; and (c) moving a Q-factor of an intrinsic frequency within aspecified EEG band of a brain of the subject toward a pre-selectedQ-factor of the intrinsic frequency of the brain of the subject usingthe magnetic field.
 3. A method of treating depression in a subjecthaving intrinsic frequencies among multiple sites in a brain of thesubject within a specified EEG band comprising: (a) providing apre-selected coherence value, (b) determining a coherence value of theintrinsic frequencies among multiple sites in a brain of the subjectwithin a specified EEG band, (c) adjusting output of one or moremagnetic fields and (d) applying said one or more magnetic fields closeto a head of the subject; and (e) moving the coherence value toward thepre-selected coherence value using the one or more magnetic fields,wherein if the coherence value is higher than the pre-selected coherencevalue, the adjusting and applying steps comprises lowering the coherencevalue of the subject by applying at least two asynchronous magneticfields close to the head of the subject, and wherein if the coherencevalue is lower than the pre-selected coherence value, the adjusting andapplying steps comprises raising the coherence value of the subject byapplying at least one synchronized magnetic field close to the head ofthe subject.
 4. A method for treating depression in a subject having anEEG phase between a first site and a second site in a brain of thesubject of a specified EEG frequency, comprising: (a) providing apre-selected EEG phase of the specified EEG frequency; (b) adjustingoutput of one or more magnetic fields and (c) applying said one or moremagnetic fields close to a head of the subject; and (d) moving the EEGphase toward the pre-selected EEG phase using said one or more magneticfields, wherein the one or more magnetic fields are of the samefrequency and are in-phase with each other, out of phase with eachother, or a combination thereof.
 5. A method of treating depression in asubject, comprising tuning down the Q-factor of an intrinsic frequencyof a brain of the subject by applying a magnetic field close to a headof the subject, wherein the magnetic field comprises at least one of (a)a single pre-selected frequency; (b) a plurality of frequencies within aspecified EEG band; and (c) an intrinsic frequency of the brain of thesubject within a specified EEG band.
 6. The method of any one of claims1-5, wherein the method provides an improvement as measured using a HAMDrating scale.
 7. The method of any one of claims 2 and 5, furthercomprising the step of measuring EEG data of the subject after theapplying step.
 8. The method of any one of claims 2 and 5, furthercomprising the steps of: adjusting frequency of said magnetic fieldbased on the EEG data of the subject; and repeating the applying stepwith an adjusted frequency.
 9. The method of any one of claims 2 and 5,wherein the applying of the magnetic field applies the magnetic field toa diffuse area in the brain of the subject.
 10. The method of any one ofclaims 2 and 5, wherein the magnetic field is generated by movement ofat least one permanent magnet.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein thestrength of the at least one permanent magnetic is from about 10 Gaussto about 4 Tesla.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the distancebetween the at least one permanent magnet and the subject is from about1/32 in to about 12 in.
 13. The method of any one of claims 2 and 5,wherein the step of applying the magnetic field is for about 5 minutesto about two hours.
 14. The method of any one of claims 2 and 5, furthercomprising repeating the applying step after an interval about 6 hoursto about 14 days.
 15. The method of any one of claims 2 and 5, furthercomprising: (a) locating a first electrode operable to detect electricalbrain activity on the subject in at least one of an area of lowelectrical resistivity on a subject, and an area with substantially noelectrical impulse interference on the subject; (b) locating a secondelectrode operable to detect a reference signal on the subject; and (c)determining the intrinsic frequency from the electrical brain activitydetected by the first electrode and the reference signal detected by thesecond electrode.
 16. A device for use in treating depression in asubject, comprising: a means for applying a magnetic field to a head ofthe subject; whereby the means for applying the magnetic field comprisesa first processor that controls the application of the magnetic fieldand wherein the first processor or a second processor moves at least oneof: (a) an intrinsic frequency of a brain of the subject within aspecified EEG band to a pre-selected intrinsic frequency within the sameEEG band using the magnetic field; (b) a Q-factor of an intrinsicfrequency of the brain of the subject to a pre-selected Q-factor withina specified EEG band using the magnetic field; (c) a coherence value ofintrinsic frequencies among multiple sites in the brain of the subjectwithin a specified EEG band using the magnetic field wherein if thecoherence value is higher than a pre-selected coherence value, loweringthe coherence value by applying at least two asynchronous magneticfields close to the head of the subject, and wherein if the coherencevalue is lower than the pre-selected coherence value, raising thecoherence value by applying at least one synchronized magnetic fieldclose to the head of the subject; and (d) an EEG phase between two sitesin the brain of the subject of a specified EEG frequency using themagnetic field wherein the magnetic field comprises a first magneticfield that is in-phase with a second magnetic field or a first magneticfield that is out of phase with a second magnetic field.
 17. The deviceof claim 16, comprising at least one permanent magnet.
 18. The device ofclaim 16, wherein the magnetic field is generated by movement of atleast one permanent magnet.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein themovement of the at least one said magnet is at a frequency between about0.5 Hz and about 100 Hz.
 20. The device of claim 18, wherein saidmovement comprises at least one of rotational motion, linear motion, andswing motion.
 21. The device of claim 18, wherein said movementgenerates an alternating magnetic field.
 22. The device of claim 16,further comprising logic that controls the EEG frequency to be betweenabout 0.5 Hz and about 100 Hz in increments of about 0.1 Hz.
 23. Thedevice of claim 16, further comprising logic that automatically changesthe EEG frequency in response to EEG readings of a subject duringtreatment.
 24. The device of claim 16, further comprising logic thatcalculates information from EEG data collected from the subject within aspecified EEG band, wherein said information comprises at least one ofitems listed below: (a) at least one intrinsic frequency; (b) Q-factorof the at least one intrinsic frequency; (c) a coherence value ofintrinsic frequencies; (d) an EEG phase; and (e) any combinationthereof.
 25. The device of claim 16, further comprising: (a) a firstelectrode operable to detect electrical brain activity; and (b) a secondelectrode operable to detect a reference signal; wherein the firstelectrode is adapted to be located on the subject in at least one of anarea of low electrical resistivity on the subject, and an area withsubstantially no electrical impulse interference on the subject, andwherein the second electrode is adapted to be located on the subject.26. A device for use in treating depression in a subject, comprising: amagnetic field generator configured to apply a magnetic field close to ahead of the subject, wherein the magnetic field generator comprises afirst processor that controls the application of the magnetic field andwherein the first processor or a second processor moves (a) an intrinsicfrequency of a brain of the subject within a specified EEG band topre-selected intrinsic frequency within the specified EEG band; (b) aQ-factor of an intrinsic frequency of the brain of the subject within aspecified EEG band to a target Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency usingthe magnetic field; (c) a coherence value of intrinsic frequencies amongmultiple sites in the brain of the subject within a specified EEG bandusing the magnetic field wherein if the coherence value is higher than apre-selected coherence value, lowering the coherence value by applyingat least two asynchronous magnetic fields close to the head of thesubject, and wherein if the coherence value is lower than thepre-selected coherence value, raising the coherence value by applying atleast one synchronized magnetic field close to the head of the subject;and (d) a EEG phase between two sites in the brain of the subject of aspecified EEG frequency using the magnetic field wherein the magneticfield comprises a first magnetic field that is in-phase with a secondmagnetic field or a first magnetic field that is out of phase with asecond magnetic field.
 27. The device of claim 26, wherein the magneticfield comprises at least one of (a) a single pre-selected frequencywithin a specified EEG band; (b) a plurality of frequencies within thespecified EEG band; and (c) an intrinsic frequency of the brain of thesubject within the specified EEG band, and wherein the magnetic fieldgenerator tunes down the Q-factor of the intrinsic frequency of thebrain of the subject within the specified EEG band.